Wed, Feb 16, 2005
Proposes To Cancel Selected NDB Procedures
The FAA wants to reduce the number
of redundant ground-based navigational aid (NAVAID) approaches to
many runways. That so the agency can shift its resources to
developing more satellite-based GPS-WAAS approaches, which deliver
better all-weather access, vertical guidance, and lower minimums
than conventional nonprecision approaches. Specifically, the FAA is
proposing canceling ancient nondirectional radio beacon (NDB)
approaches to runway ends already served by another ground-based
navaid and an area navigation (RNAV) procedure.
"As soon as AOPA learned about this plan, we jumped in to make
sure that no airport loses an approach that is still used
frequently," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of
regulatory policy. "The FAA has assured us they're only looking for
underutilized NDB approaches that can be canceled without undue
hardship on the users. If the NDB is used for another approach, the
other approach will not be affected by this action."
With the advent of GPS, NDB approaches have been dropping out of
most pilots' tool kits (except in Alaska). Most new aircraft aren't
even equipped with an ADF receiver. And a recent survey of AOPA
members showed that a large majority had no problem with phasing
out NDB approaches where they were redundant.
The FAA recently sent letters to
some 430 airport managers, asking for their input on what
approaches could be eliminated. "To meet the public's demand for
WAAS-capable RNAV procedures, the FAA must manage the growth in
number of instrument approach procedures by eliminating redundant
ground-based procedures," the FAA said.
After the airport managers have had a chance to comment, the FAA
will publish its proposed list of NDB procedures to be canceled in
the Federal Register. Pilots will be able to provide the FAA with
input into which of the NDB approaches should be retained. (See the
list of procedures under consideration for cancellation.)
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