McDaniel Explains the Need for Further Information on WAAS Capabilities

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.

FMI: www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/ND/8710_3E-C12.pdf, www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/, www.progaviation.com/index.htm, www.progaviation.com/seminar.htm, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews