Preparation/provision of aeronautical information and data to airports, airlines, other operators

Preparation and/or provision of current and statistical aeronautical information (radar data, flight plans, meteorological data, airspace configuration and status, etc.), taking into account the specific needs of the customer. The information may be provided on a case-by-case or regular basis (e.g. on the basis of an agreement). Preparation of statements/reports/statistical data to companies and individuals on meteorological conditions for insurance cases.

Development of technical regulations/requirements, project coordination, assessment of the impact of construction on air traffic services

Drafting and coordination of technical regulations/requirements for external projects in parts pertaining to the areas of LGS responsibility (airspace, air traffic infrastructure). Assessment of the potential impacts of construction on air traffic services, equipment and systems during the design phase of installations.

Provision of AFTN/AMHS service/operator services

Provision of AFTN/AMHS services: reception, processing and transmission of AFTN/AMHS messages in accordance with Annex 10 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation and other regulatory enactments.

Provision of operator services of AFTN/AMHS centre: operation of the customer’s AFTN/AMHS centre in accordance with Annex 10 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation and other regulatory enactments (operator services 24/7).

Technical consultations and support.

Installation of air navigation systems

Full spectrum of services for procurement and installation of air navigation systems (pre-procurement consultations, development of technical specifications, participation in procurement/tendering process, participation in factory testing/acceptance (FAT), installation of equipment, site acceptance testing of equipment (SAT), preparation of certification documents for submission to Civil Aviation Agency).

Flight test support

Full range of services for performance of flight inspections of air navigation equipment and flight schemes (consultation, development of technical specifications, market research, support during flight tests, evaluation of results).

Operation/maintenance of air navigation systems

Operation/maintenance of air navigation systems includes a complete life cycle service services (assessment of current status, development of technical maintenance manuals, technical maintenance during warranty and post-warranty, conclusion/maintenance of SLA contracts with equipment manufacturers, development and maintenance of technical and safety documentation, equipment repair services, planning of equipment replacement/enhancement/ reconfiguration).

Consultancy services

Organisation of technical operation, continuity of service provision/development of redundancy concept, preparation of technical specifications, preparation of safety cases.

Additional information about BGKIS is available on the CAA website.

About the C-class identification mark

Please note that at the end of 2023, the transition period allowing exceptions to the requirement for C-class identification markings for UAS operating in the “open” category came to an end. As of January 1, 2024, the requirement for C-class identification markings — certifying that the UAS meets specific standards — is enforced. More detailed information about C-class identification markings is available at EASA webpage.

UAS operations within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A and RIGA CTR Boundaries

Within the airspace designated for aviation traffic at the International Airport “Liepaja”, the International Airport “Riga”, and the military airfield “Lielvarde”, restrictions and limitations have been introduced for UAS operations, expressed in the form of UAS geographical zones.

Each UAS geographical zone has specific conditions for the implementation of unmanned aircraft (UA) flights. We remind you that when the operational volume of unmanned aircraft systems overlaps with multiple UAS geographical zones, it is necessary to comply with the conditions of all applicable UAS geographical zones for the flight to take place.

To begin the UAS operation coordination process, the UAS operator (or their representative) must submit the unmanned aircraft flight request in the UAS Information System (BGKIS) at https://e.caa.gov.lv/. The flight application information will be forwarded to the respective UAS geographical zone managers.

Specialists from the State Joint-Stock Company “Latvian Air Traffic” (LGS), upon receiving the unmanned aircraft flight request, will evaluate the submission and, if necessary, request additional information. As a result of the evaluation, possible coordination methods, procedures, and conditions under which UA flights can be conducted will be determined. Information about applicable coordination types (A, B, C, C (exception), D, E, E(EVGA), R, S) is included in the descriptions of the UAS geographical zones, which are under the jurisdiction of LGS Air Traffic Control Department.

Coordination Type A
UAS operations are performed in the presence of the LGS unmanned aircraft coordinator. Each flight of UA is carried out according to the instructions of the Lielvarde Tower Air Traffic Controller, Riga Tower Air Traffic Controller or the Liepaja Flight Information Service officer.
This coordination type is applied within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A, RIGA CTR boundaries for UA flights conducted at a distance of up to 5 kilometers from the certified airport runway threshold or at altitudes above 50 meters.
The LGS unmanned aircraft coordinator’s field service is a paid service (see the section “LGS Unmanned Aircraft Coordinator’s Service Price List”).

Coordination Type B
This coordination type applies to unmanned aircraft flights within the LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A boundary. Under this coordination type, LGS can coordinate unmanned aircraft flights up to an altitude of 120 meters above the ground or water surface during time intervals when the Liepaja Information Service operator (AFISO) is not providing air traffic information services.

Coordination Type C
This coordination type stipulates that UAS operations in the “open” and “specific” categories are allowed at altitudes up to 50 meters above the ground or water surface if they are carried out no closer than 5 kilometers from the certified airport runway.
This coordination type is applied within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A, LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, and RIGA CTR boundaries. Unmanned aircraft systems with a take-off mass exceeding 2 kilograms have additional requirements (see the section “Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems with a Maximum Take-Off Mass Exceeding 2 Kilograms”).

Coordination Type C (Exception)
Coordination type C (exception) is intended for cases where an UAS operations can be conducted at altitudes up to 110 meters above the ground or water surface and flights take place in an area with high artificial obstacles (e.g., skyscrapers). If the artificial obstacle exceeds 105 meters in height, unmanned aircraft flights near the obstacle may be coordinated up to an altitude that exceeds the height of the obstacle by 15 meters.
The application of Coordination Type C (exception) is evaluated individually and is only applicable within the RIGA CTR boundaries.

Coordination Type D
Coordination Type D defines how the coordination of state and military UAS operations is carried out near the International Airport “Riga” (RIGA CTR).
LGS invites state institutions conducting state unmanned aircraft flights or military unmanned aircraft flights, as well as authorized representatives of municipal police, to contact LGS by sending an email to lgs@lgs.lv to obtain additional information about this coordination type and the cooperation terms.

Coordination Type E
This is a special procedure under which unmanned aircraft flights can be conducted near the International Airport “Riga” (RIGA CTR) at altitudes up to 40 meters above the ground or water surface without the presence of the LGS unmanned aircraft coordinator. The application of this coordination type is evaluated individually. Please note that Coordination Type E has additional restrictions and conditions, which the UAS operator will be informed of if this procedure is applied. Coordination Type E cannot be applied within or in the immediate vicinity of the International Airport “Riga” area.

Coordination Type E (EVGA)

This is a custom solution for dedicated users.

Coordination Type R

A special solution for UAS operations in the vicinity of International Airport “Riga”.

Coordination Type S

A special solution for frequent UAS operations in the “specific” category over fixed locations within the atypical airspace in the vicinity of International Airport “Riga”.

Regarding UAS operations above the International Airports “Liepaja” and “Riga” Area and in the vicinity of military aerodrome “Lielvarde”
Upon receiving a flight request for an UAS operation above the controlled area of the International Airport “Liepaja”, the International Airport “Riga” or in the vicinity of military aerodrome “Lielvarde”, LGS will inform the UAS operator about the need to coordinate the flight with the respective airport operator and provide information on the next steps. Please note that this coordination process may take more than 10 days.

LGS Unmanned Aircraft Coordinator’s Service Price List (Coordination Type A).

Provision of Aeronautical Information (fixed daily rate): €18.15 per day, including VAT

LGS coordinator visit (weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00): €36.30 per hour, including VAT

LGS coordinator visit (outside office hours, weekends, and public holidays): €72.60 per hour, including VAT

Transport expenses: €0.38 per kilometer, including VAT

Example of Service Price Calculation within RIGA CTR and LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A

The minimum amount is 54.45 EUR, including VAT. This amount consists of:

• 18.15 EUR – Provision of aeronautical information
• 36.30 EUR per hour – LGS specialist call-out (on weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00)

Example of Service Price Calculation within LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A

The approximate amount starts from 180.25 EUR, including VAT. This amount consists of following components:

• 18.15 EUR – Provision of aeronautical information
• 53.20 EUR – Transport expenses from the LGS office to the UAV flight coordination site and back (70 km x 2 x 0.38 EUR)
• 72.60 EUR – LGS specialist call-out (travel time to and from the site) – 2 hours
• 36.30 EUR – LGS specialist call-out – 1 hour fee for actual UAV flight coordination

Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with a Maximum Takeoff Mass Exceeding 2 Kilograms
This section outlines the requirements for unmanned aircraft systems and operations in the “open” category in accordance with Coordination Types C (including C exception), D, E, R, S. In these cases, the UAS must be equipped with solutions that provide the remote pilot with information about the aircraft’s location, altitude, speed, battery charge level, control and communication (C2) link, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal strength and quality, automatic warnings if the signal becomes too weak or poor, as well as automatic fail-safe functions for at least the following cases:

• Loss of C2 link between UAS and remote control device – In case of loss of the C2 link, the fail-safe system will automatically activate within 5 seconds and initiate safe landing procedures according to pre-set conditions (simultaneously preventing the continuation of any pre-programmed automatic flight path, if applicable);
• Problems with positioning system sensors – For example, in case of GNSS signal disruption or complete loss, the UAS will automatically disable these sensors (or allow manual disabling);
• Flight data recording – Recording of flight time, coordinates, altitude, and speed;
• Altitude reduction capability – The UAS must be configured to reduce altitude at a rate of at least 2.5 m/s;
• Manual flight termination – The system should allow the remote pilot to manually terminate the flight by shutting off the motor in an emergency.

Coordination Types C (exception), D, E, R, S do not allow “open” category operations with homemade unmanned aircraft systems if their weight exceeds 2 kilograms.

Additional Information on UA flight coordination within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A, RIGA CTR Boundaries
Email: bgk@lgs.lv
Phone: +371 67300961

Current Information
Answers to the most frequently asked questions in the field of UAS are compiled in the explanatory material: “Frequently Asked Questions”: https://www.lgs.lv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FAQ-suggestions_EN.pdf

Map with UAS geographical zones: https://www.airspace.lv/drones
UAS geographical zones dataset: https://ais.lgs.lv/page/UAS_geozones
Aviation information, NOTAM: https://ais.lgs.lv/notam
Aviation Information Publications (AIP): https://ais.lgs.lv/aiseaip

Other Useful Information
Additional information about UAS categories:

• Open Category: https://droni.caa.gov.lv/darbibas-kategorijas/atverta-kategorija/
• Specific Category: https://droni.caa.gov.lv/darbibas-kategorijas/specifiska-kategorija/
  CAA BGKIS: https://e.caa.gov.lv

Actions in the Event of an UAS Emergency
If the remote pilot loses control of the UAS and it continues uncontrolled flight, they must immediately inform representatives of the State Joint-Stock Company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” (LGS) using one of the following phone numbers:

• +371 67300645
• +371 67300642
• +371 67783761

Provide the following information:

• Total takeoff weight of the UA;
• Flight location (last known coordinates or a clearly identifiable object);
• Flight altitude (last known altitude, specifying the reference system – above ground/water surface (AGL) or above mean sea level (AMSL));
• Flight direction (cardinal direction or relative to a clearly identifiable object);
• Flight duration with remaining fuel/battery charge level (estimated remaining flight time);
• Maximum flight speed;
• Maximum flight duration;
• Theoretical maximum flight distance;
• Maximum possible flight altitude.

Reporting Incidents
The remote pilot and/or UAS operator must submit an incident report (mandatory reporting) if an UA flight results in any of the following:

• Death or serious injury to persons;
• Involvement of manned aircraft.

Persons can also report (voluntary reporting) other incidents when there are disruptions in the UAS system operation, it crashes, or a situation arises that could pose a threat to surrounding areas under other circumstances.

Additional information about mandatory and voluntary reporting is available on the website: https://e.caa.gov.lv

State joint stock company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” provides air traffic control services and information in the air space of the Republic of Latvia and in part of the air space over the international waters of the Baltic Sea (within the Riga Flight Information Region). For this purpose, the Riga Air Traffic Control Centre has been established and equipped with state-of-the-art air navigation equipment (radar, surveillance, communication and navigation equipment). The Riga ATC centre is comprised of four sectors providing air traffic control services for transit flights, as well as aircraft arriving and departing from the Riga and Liepāja airports. Air traffic control towers are located at both the Riga and Liepāja airports in order to provide information for aircraft during take-off and landing.

Communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) services

The facilities of state joint stock company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” are equipped with state-of-the-art air navigation systems and equipment to provide air traffic services to air space users in the Riga Flight Information Region (Riga FIR). The systems and equipment comply with ICAO standards, EC and EUROCONTROL requirements, and are operated by highly qualified technical staff (ATSEP).

Communication

LGS provides air-to-ground mobile voice and data communication and ground-to-ground fixed and mobile voice and data communication.

The purpose of the mobile air-to-ground voice communication system is to provide two-way voice communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. To this end, LGS has created a mobile aviation communication network ensuring optimum radio coverage throughout the control sectors.

The purpose of the mobile ground-to-ground voice communication system is to provide two-way voice communication between the ATC tower and ground services working within the areas covered by the air traffic controllers.

LGS provides two types of mobile air-to-ground data communication services: CPDLC – a data link between air traffic controllers and pilots, and FANS data link communications (D-ATIS, D-VOLMET – digital broadcasting of meteorological information and DCL – ATCO coordination with aircraft on the ground).

The purpose of the fixed ground-to-ground voice communication system is to provide two-way communication between ATCOs of adjacent ATC centres. To this end, LGS uses a SCHMID ICS200/60 digital voice communication system, which is linked with the voice communication systems of adjacent ATC centres.

LGS provides two types of ground-to-ground data communication services using the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) for exchanging specialised information (such as flight plans, meteorological information, ATC coordination messages, etc.) and the On-Line Data Interchange (OLDI) protocol for ATC data coordination and handover/takeover of aircraft crossing the Latvian airspace border.

Navigation

Navigation services within the Latvian airspace are provided with the help of DVOR/DME, VOR/DME, DME radio beacons, an instrument landing system ILS/DME and GNSS.

Currently two DVOR/DME radio beacons (in Riga and Liepāja), four VOR/DME radio beacons (in Ventspils, Trakši, Daugavpils and Smārde), and three DME radio beacons (in Jaunsvirlauka, Raiskums and Rudbārži) are being used for route navigation.

The DVOR/DME beacons in Riga and Liepāja ensure, inter alia, the free route airspace concept within the Latvian airspace. The DVOR/DME beacon in Riga and three DME beacons (in Jaunsvirlauka, Raiskums and Rudbārži) provide standard instrument arrival and departure routes in the Riga TMA, and the Riga and Liepāja DVOR/DME beacons are used for non – precision approaches and missed approaches at the airfields in Riga and Liepāja.

Instrument landing systems have been set up in two landing directions (ILS/DME CAT II) at Riga Airport and one landing direction (ILS/DME CAT I) at Liepāja Airport.

GPS and EGNOS services provide instrument RNP and RNP AR approaches at Riga and Liepāja airports.

All ground-based navigation and landing systems are equipped with remote monitoring and control mechanisms. GPS and EGNOS data recording tools are located at Riga and Liepāja aerodromes.

Surveillance

In order to implement surveillance and air traffic control functions in the Riga Flight Information Region (FIR), LGS has established duplicated secondary surveillance radar coverage based on secondary radar data from:

·           three Mode S secondary surveillance radars (RSM970S);

·           the MSS-W RIX territory surveillance system (WAMRIX);

·           three adjacent radars – Martna (Estonia), Palanga and Vilnius (Lithuania).

The Riga primary surveillance radar provides single primary surveillance coverage in the controlled airspace of the Riga terminal control area (Riga TMA).

The secondary surveillance (Mode S) radars in Riga, Ērgļi and Cīrava together with the MSS-W RIX wide area multilateration (WAM) surveillance system provide duplicated secondary surveillance coverage in the controlled airspace of the Riga TMA and Riga FIR.

For improved accessibility of the secondary data from LGS surveillance systems in parts of the controlled airspace of the Riga FIR, radar data is exchanged with neighbouring countries through cooperation with the Estonian ATC provider EANS regarding data from the Martna secondary surveillance radar and Oro Navigacija from Lithuania regarding data from the secondary surveillance radars in Palanga and Vilnius. The radar data exchange serves as a backup source of radar data, especially for times when a radar must be shut off temporarily for routine technical maintenance or repairs.

Meteorological services

Aeronautical meteorology services include performing meteorological observations and providing structural units of the LGS ATC department and users of Latvian airspace with necessary meteorological information.

The services are provided by automatic weather observing systems (AWOS) at Riga Airport (MIDAS IV), Liepāja Airport (AviMet) and Ventspils Airport (AW 11) operating non-stop. Weather observation data is broadcast to aeronautical information users 24 hours a day. Meteorological information is also available from the Briefing Department as a Pre-Flight Information Bulletin.

Current information about surface wind direction and speed, visibility, weather phenomena, air temperature, barometric pressure, cloud height and other relevant data is provided at the airfields.

Meteorological observations at Riga Airport are performed by LGS meteorological observers trained in accordance with the requirements of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and the technical maintenance and service of equipment at Riga, Liepājā and Ventspils airports is provided by the electronic engineers of the Meteorological Department. Meteorological observations are also performed at Liepāja Airport and Ventspils Airport, and at Lielvārde military airfield in cooperation with the National Armed Forces.

• Full ATCO training (ADC, ACS, APS) and FIS/AFIS Operator training;
• ATCO rating revalidation and renewal training;
• ATCO annual emergency and refresher training;
• ATCO conversion training;
• ATCO On-the-Job Training Instructor (OJTI) and Assessor (CCA) training (Initial and refresher training);
• Team Resource Management practical facilitation training (Initial and refresher training)
• Team Resource Management course (Initial and refresher training);
• Theoretical Instructor Course (Initial and refresher training).

 CNS/MET

• Air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEP) Basic training;
• ATSEP qualification training (NAV, SUR, MET, COM, Data Processing, System Monitoring and Control, Power Supply);
• ATSEP refresher training;
•  Team Resource Management;
• Theoretical Instructor Course (Initial and refresher training).

Aeronavigation Information services (AIS) and Briefing (BRF)

• AIS and Briefing personnel Basic training;
• AIS and Briefing personnel refresher training.

TARIFF REGULATIONS APPLYING TO AIR NAVIGATION SERVICES

1. This Regulation prescribes the procedures for the determination and collection of the charges for the air navigation services provided by the State joint stock company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” (hereinafter – LGS), as well as exemptions from the charges for the air navigation services provided by the LGS, with effect from 01 JAN 2026.

2. The charges for the air navigation services provided by the LGS shall be calculated as follows:

2.1. the charge for the air navigation services in the Riga Flight Information Region and in the airspace delegated to the Republic of Latvia in accordance with international treaties (hereinafter – Riga Flight Information Region), shall be calculated using the following formula:

R = t x d x p, where

R – the charge for en-route air navigation services;

t – unit charge rate in the Riga Flight Information Region – 55.79. In accordance with Articles 3.2 (e) and 6.1 (a) of the Multilateral Agreement Relating to Route Charges of 12 February 1981 (hereinafter – Agreement), the calculation of the unit charge rate shall be examined and approved by the enlarged Commission (hereinafter – Commission) of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation;

d – 1/100 part of the distance covered within the Riga Flight Information Region, which shall be recalculated according to the great circle distance and expressed in kilometres (with an accuracy of two digits after the comma). Upon the landing of an aircraft in the aerodromes of Latvia or upon taking off therefrom, the distance shall be reduced by 20 kilometres;

p – aircraft weight factor (with an accuracy of two digits after the comma), which is calculated as the square root of the quotient that is obtained by dividing the number of metric tons of the maximum certified take-off mass of the aircraft referred to in the certificate of airworthiness, in the flight manual or another similar official document by 50:

maximum take — off weight

2.2. the charge for air navigation services within the terminal control area shall be calculated using the following formula:

R = t x N, where

R – the charge for the air navigation services provided within the terminal control area; t – unit charge rate – EUR 230.20;

N – coefficient of the aircraft weight factor (with an accuracy of two digits after the comma), which is calculated by dividing the maximum certified take-off mass of the aircraft expressed in metric tons by 50 and by raising the result in 0.7 power.

2.3. The unit charge rate for air navigation services in the terminal area is calculated in accordance with the basic principles of Regulation No. 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the provision of air navigation services in the single European sky (Service Provision Regulation), and the costs are adjusted for the following five years, taking into account the actual costs of the previous year.

3.  The following shall be exempt from the charge referred to in Paragraph 2. of this Regulation:

3.1. flights referred to in Article 31 (3) of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/317 of 11 February 2019 laying down a performance and charging scheme in the single European sky and repealing Implementing Regulations (EU) No. 390/2013 and (EU) No. 391/2013;

3.2. state and border guard aircraft;

3.3. flights of national importance;

3.4. VFR flights in the Riga Flight Information Region.

4.  The charge referred to in Sub-paragraph 2.1. of this Regulation, for en-route air navigation services provided in the Riga Flight Information Region, in accordance with Articles 3.1 (b) and 8 of the Agreement, shall be collected by the Central Route Charges Office (hereinafter – Office) of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation.

5.  The procedures for the collection of the charge referred to in Paragraph 4. of this Regulation, in accordance with Articles 1.2 and 3.2 (e) of the Agreement, shall be determined by the Commission.

6.  The Office is entitled to collect the charge referred to in Sub-paragraph 2.2. of this Regulation upon commission of the LGS.

7.  The owner and operator of the aircraft shall be solidarily responsible for the performance of the payments referred to in Paragraph 2. of this Regulation.

8.  A person responsible for the payments referred to in Paragraph 2. of this Regulation shall be determined in accordance with Article 5 (1), (2) and (3) of Annex IV to the International Convention relating to Co-operation for the Safety of Air Navigation of 13 December 1960 of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation.

9.  The Commission shall determine the amount of late-payment interest in accordance with Articles 3.2 (e) and 6.1 (a) of the Agreement.

10. Late-payment interest – 11.57% per year from the principal debt sum unpaid – shall be applied for the delay of the term for payment of terminals.

11. For en-route air navigation services the administrative unit rate and interest rate on late payment are:

•       administrative rate – EUR 0.10;

•       interest on late payment – 12.38 percent/annually.

1. Distribution service, by which the following aeronautical information products are distributed to the next intended user:

• Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) (eAIP), including AIP Amendments and AIP Supplements, Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) and aeronautical charts;
• NOTAM;
• Digital terrain and obstacle data sets.

1. Pre-flight information service, by which the intended user is briefed before flight using PIBs.
2. Post-flight information service, by which the user reports an irregularity during aeronautical procedures.

LGS briefing unit is established to distribute pre-flight and collect post-flight information on behalf of AIS provider. Pre-flight information is made available by means of LGS Integrated Briefing System: https://ibs.lgs.lv.

Aeronautical information products and additional information on AIS services are available on the AIS website https://ais.lgs.lv.