At their simplest these may consist of ground markings and stop & go lights. More sophisticated systems will incorporate taxiway centre line lighting and stopbars which can delineate the cleared route of aircraft. Where a need exists, surface movement radar or some other form of aircraft position sensing may be installed. Whatever the sophistication of the system, the essential requirement is that some means exist of ensuring the safety of aircraft while moving on the manoeuvring area.
IFATCA Policy is:If deemed necessary, the appropriate ATC authority should implement an A-SMGCS which includes procedures for avoidance of collision between aircraft, and between aircraft and vehicles on the ground. Surface movement surveillance systems should be installed at all airfields where low visibility operations take place and its operation should be mandatory while these operations are in progress. Surface movement surveillance systems should be used as a monitoring device and should not be used for the provision of a control service unless procedures are available. The boundary between apron and manoeuvring areas should be clearly defined. Longitudinal separation standards to achieve the objectives of preventing collisions between aircraft and aircraft and vehicles on the ground, during push back and taxi, shall not be specified. |
| See: WP 59 – Nairobi 1987 and WP 93 – Hong Kong 2004, Resolution B10 – WP 59 – Virtual 2022 |
Last Update: July 18, 2022