Mexico Leads the Way as First ICAO Member with Largest Fleet of NavAidDrone Solutions for Air Navigation System Verification

With 11 NavAidDrone systems, this project is unique in its scope and marks a new era in the deployment of drone-based measurement approaches in the aviation world. The NavAidDrone is a fully integrated measurement drone for specialized field measurements required for inspection and regular maintenance of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR/DVOR). It has been jointly developed by Colibrex, a subsidiary of LS telcom, and FCS Flight Calibration Services.

The Aeronautical Authority in Mexico (AFAC) and SENEAM are working to implement the regulations and necessary processes to integrate new technologies into the aviation sector. SENEAM’s CEO Javier Alonso Vega Dour strongly supports technological advancements and enhanced operational safety in the aviation industry. He is convinced of the multiple benefits of drone-based NavAids inspection and stated as an example of application “After Hurricane Otis inflicted catastrophic damage in Acapulco, we deployed the NavAidDrone to check the ILS and VOR systems at Aeropuerto Internacional General Juan N. Álvarez (IATA: ACA, ICAO: MMAA).” He added "Colibrex, LS telcom, and Telnorm Air responded swiftly to assist our staff in this challenging disaster recovery mission!"

Ricardo Orozco Delgado, Technical Director of SENEAM, further noted "Our primary goal is to enhance the inspection and maintenance of ILS & VOR systems at all Mexican airports. For instance, we now have the capability to detect variations in ILS signals, which were previously unmeasurable with conventional methods."

“For this key project with several drones to be dispatched and operated within the country, it was obvious that Colibrex, LS telcom and Telnorm Air are the first choice as a team when it comes to reliability, support, and experience for such a high-level innovative technology.” Ricardo Aguilar, Director of Aeronautics at Telnorm Air, adds, and he concludes "We were able to present SENEAM with the most advanced and field-proven solution in the market. Our concept, distinct from commercial drone platforms, features a high level of system integration and emphasizes the best focus on local services."

The Managing Director of Colibrex, Luc Haeberlé, states “SENEAM’s project is a game changer, and we are convinced that this choice will inspire many other ANSPs worldwide to adopt our cutting-edge technology with the additional goal of reducing flight inspection efforts and CO2 impact.

For us, it represents the dedication of several years of effort and investment in the development of a solution that offers multiple advantages, both in terms of measurement quality and remarkable operational efficiency.”

With the signed contract, Colibrex, together with its technology partner FCS Flight Calibration Services, confirms its leading role in the emerging market of drones for NavAid inspection.

About Colibrex

Colibrex is a fully owned subsidiary of the German LS telcom AG, who is the global leader in spectrum efficiency with customers in over 100 countries worldwide. In an increasingly connected world, LS telcom ensures that all spectrum users achieve their radio communication objectives in the most optimal and cost-efficient way. Colibrex’s target is to develop and offer specialized drone-based measurement solutions and services for all kinds of radio frequency signals. The scope of work includes solutions for airborne monitoring, for example used for interference hunting or inspection of microwave links, antenna measurements, and NavAids inspection. The measurement drones of Colibrex are already in use in more than 20 countries. The NavAidDrone has been initially adopted by the DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung in Germany and is now deployed worldwide. www.colibrex.com/en/home/; www.lstelcom.com

About FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH

FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, is a leading European provider of flight inspections of navigational aids and procedure validation. FCS is a joint venture of the Air Navigation Service providers DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, Austro Control GmbH, and Skyguide Ltd., and has almost two decades of experience in the reception, recording and analysis of signals-in-space from CNS/ATM navigation and surveillance protocols. https://fcs.aero/english

About SENEAM

SENEAM provides navigation services with security, fluency, and order in Mexican Air Space, assuring quality and efficiency in accordance with the applicable national and international regulations. Its mission is to guarantee, through navigation services, the safe and efficient transport of people and goods in Mexican airspace. It looks to the future by adopting and implementing timely and efficient infrastructures and innovative techniques for the provision of air navigation services, in line with the development of aviation and operational safety. https://www.gob.mx/seneam

About Telnorm Air

With more than 30 years of experience, Telnorm Air is a leading multi-vendor systems integrator specialized in services for air traffic management and industry-leading solutions such as ATS Simulators, Navaids (ILS & VOR), Surveillance Systems (ADS-B & Radar), AWOS, and Terminal Airport equipment across the North and Latin American regions. https://www.telnormair.com/