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.
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