Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps are being taken to ensure that pilot training is being adapted to incorporate (a) GPS approaches and (b) other new technologies.

Global Navigation Satellite System approaches are one element of performance based navigation (PBN). An amendment to EU Regulation 1178/2011 (the Aircrew Regulation), which came into force in 2018, provides that pilots may only fly in accordance with PBN procedures if they hold an instrument rating with PBN privileges. The Aircrew Regulation establishes the training required to obtain PBN privileges. From 25 August 2020, all applicants for an instrument rating will be required to have undertaken PBN training.

Training requirements will be reviewed as and when the carriage and use of other new technologies are mandated. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority is continuing to engage with the European Aviation Safety Agency to expand training on the use of satellite based technology to help reduce airspace infringements.