Conditions for an airport operator to make use of an advanced surface movement guidance and control system (A-SMGCS) for the provision of apron management service

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Statement of the problem
• Approach
• Elaboration on A-SMGCS
• Development towards A-SMGCS
• A-SMGCS Benefits
• A-SMGCS functional criteria
• Surveillance
• Control
• Routing/Planning
• Guidance
• The Four Levels of Implementation
• A-SMGCS Level 1 & 2
• A-SMGCS Level 3 & 4
• Further documents
• Relevance for the ANSP
• Legal Basis: ICAO
• Legal Basis: European Union
• EC No 549/2004: the framework Regulation
• EC No 550/2004: the service provision Regulation
• EC No 551/2004: the airspace Regulation
• EC No 552/2004: the interoperability Regulation
• EC No 1070/2009: amendments to SES I Legislative Package
• SES regulation and requirements for licensing
• National Supervisory Authority in Germany
• Requirements for certification
• Relevance for the airport operator
• Legal Basis ICAO: Apron Management Services
• Legal Basis in Europe: SES regulations
• Remit of EASA
• EC No 216/2008: common rules in the field of civil aviation
• EC No 1108/2009: Aerodromes, ATM, ANS, ATC
• Regulatory structure in Germany
• Political Hierarchy: The Federalism in Germany
• German Aviation Law: LuftVG
• German Aviation Regulation: LuftVZO
• Chart: Political hierarchy of aviation law in Germany
• New challenges for the approval authority
• The way to a “Declaration of Capability”
• Experts position
• Questionnaire
• Responses
• Recommendation for a “Declaration of Capability”
• Personal Opinion
• Particular situation at Frankfurt Airport
• Conclusion
• Fields for further study

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This Master’s thesis examines the conditions required for an airport operator to utilize an advanced surface movement guidance and control system (A-SMGCS) for the provision of apron management services. It explores the regulatory framework governing the use of A-SMGCS, focusing on both national and international legislation. The thesis aims to analyze the implications of using A-SMGCS for both air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and airport operators, particularly within the context of the European Union’s regulations.

• The implementation and use of A-SMGCS in apron management
• The legal framework for A-SMGCS use in the EU and Germany
• The role of the ANSP and airport operator in the A-SMGCS implementation process
• The implications of the “Declaration of Capability” for airport operators
• Challenges and opportunities presented by A-SMGCS technology in apron management

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The thesis begins with an introduction that outlines the research problem, the objective of the study, and the methodology employed. Chapter 2 delves into the concept of A-SMGCS, discussing its development, benefits, functional criteria, and different levels of implementation. Chapter 3 examines the relevance of A-SMGCS for the ANSP, analyzing the legal basis, regulatory requirements, and licensing procedures. Chapter 4 shifts focus to the airport operator, exploring the legal framework for apron management services, the remit of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the regulatory structure in Germany. Chapter 5 explores the new challenges facing the approval authority in the context of A-SMGCS implementation, examining the process of obtaining a “Declaration of Capability”. Chapter 6 presents recommendations for achieving this declaration, considering the specific situation at Frankfurt Airport.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this thesis include: A-SMGCS, apron management, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airport operators, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), “Declaration of Capability”, regulatory framework, legal basis, licensing, certification, apron safety, and surface movement control.