Wed, Oct 07, 2009
Given its increased accuracy, pilots who fly with WAAS avionics
systems are authorized to fly throughout the U.S. without the
reliance on ground-based navigation aids; this precision approach
capability has led to unprecedented access to general aviation
airports, with over 5,000 ins currently qualified for a WAAS
approach.
McDaniel believes, however, that there is still an informational
gap between the knowledge currently available for pilots and the
knowledge necessary for pilots to truly understand WAAS
capabilities for such things as RNP and the future implementation
of GLS minimums.
Collaboratively developed by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), WAAS is used to
combat the ionosphere disturbances, clock drift, and satellite
orbit errors that prevent basic GPS signals from meeting the FAA
requirements necessary for precision flight approach. Through
its system of approximately 25 ground reference stations positioned
across the continental United States and Hawaii, WAAS utilizes
collected data to create a GPS signal correction that is then
broadcast to WAAS-enabled receivers. The result is a GPS
accuracy improvement of approximately three meters 95% of the
time.
Matthew McDaniel, owner of Progressive Aviation Services, has
developed a one-day seminar for current WAAS-pilots and pilots
considering a WAAS upgrade to help build an informational
foundation of both the benefit and usage of WAAS technology.
Covering all aspects of WAAS rules, regulations, and operations,
the seminar addresses WAAS-enabled avionic systems and autopilots,
as well as many IFR procedural items for pilots.
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]