The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is at the forefront of aviation safety, with a focus on the allocation of 24-bit addresses and interrogator identification codes for Secondary Surveillance Radar Mode S. This innovative technology promises to enhance aircraft identification and separation within the airspace, ultimately improving aviation safety.
In Accra, a workshop was held, bringing together key stakeholders from the aviation industry, including air traffic controllers, pilots, engineers, and regulatory authorities. They gathered to discuss the challenges and potential benefits associated with implementing Radar Mode S in Ghana.
Radar Mode S is an innovative concept that assigns a unique 24-bit address to each aircraft, transmitted via an onboard transponder. This unique identifier allows radar systems to retrieve vital information about an aircraft’s identity, altitude, bearing, and other critical parameters, displaying this data on the air traffic controller’s screen.
Ghana is proud to have one of the safest and most secure airspaces in Africa. This was exemplified when Ghana achieved an impressive Effective Implementation score of 89.89 percent during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), earning the prestigious safety and security award.
During the workshop, Ing. Charles Kraikue, Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the global significance of the aviation industry. He stressed the far-reaching impact of harmonizing SSR Mode S 24-bit addresses and codes II, highlighting its pivotal role in Air Traffic Management. This underscores the shared commitment to safety and efficiency, both at the national and international levels.
“In this post-Covid 19 era, characterized by rapid growth in air travel that has, in some instances, exceeded pre-Covid levels, we face a growing demand for aviation systems that are not just safer but also more efficient,” Ing. Kraikue remarked. “Adapting to these evolving requirements is imperative.”
Ing. Kraikue stressed that the allocation of SSR Mode S 24-bit addresses and II codes goes beyond mere procedural exercise. It constitutes an integral element within the intricate framework of air traffic management, ensuring that each aircraft is distinctively identified and that information is transmitted with utmost precision. The importance of assigning 24-bit Addresses and Interrogator identification codes within the contemporary aviation landscape cannot be overstated, as accuracy, efficiency, and safety take centre stage.
He noted that the role of aviation authorities, Air Traffic Management agencies, and industry stakeholders is clear. Authorities must ensure the reliable and secure assignment of SSR Mode S addresses and II codes, working collaboratively to develop and implement standards, procedures, and technologies that align with these objectives.
Ing. Joyce Asante, Director of Air Traffic Safety Engineering at the GCAA, highlighted the innovative potential of Radar Mode S in enhancing airspace safety by reducing confusion and increasing situational awareness among air traffic controllers and pilots. “Safety of life is paramount in our business,” she emphasized. “We deploy the right technology to ensure safety in our airspace.”
She further noted Ghana’s proactive approach to navigation infrastructure, having deployed modern equipment to guarantee the robustness of its surveillance system. “Our safety record in Africa speaks for itself. For us, safety is of paramount importance, and we consistently employ the necessary equipment to achieve the highest levels of safety.”
The workshop facilitated an exchange of experiences and best practices related to Radar Mode S, allowing participants to address any technical or operational issues that might arise from its implementation.
The GCAA expressed its unwavering commitment to collaborate with stakeholders and partners, ensuring that Ghana’s airspace remains safe and secure for all users.
Ing. Kraikue emphasized that aviation is not just about technology and regulations but also about the people who rely on this mode of transportation. This includes the passengers, pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, and numerous professionals who work tirelessly to maintain aviation as the safest mode of transportation.
