Navigation Services
GNSS - Congressional Hill Staffers This page has been tailored for use by congressional staffers. As such, it contains a focused sub-set of data available on the FAA's Satellite Navigation programs: WAAS What is WAAS? The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is a GPS-based navigation and landing system that provides precision guidance to aircraft at thousands of airports and airstrips where there is currently no precision landing capability. Systems such as WAAS are known as satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS). WAAS is designed to improve the accuracy and ensure the integrity of information coming from GPS satellites. The FAA is using WAAS to provide a Lateral Navigation/Vertical Navigation (LNAV/VNAV) capability with commissioning in 2003. This capability will facilitate improved instrument approaches to include vertical (glide path) guidance to an expanded number of airports. Concurrently, the FAA will evaluate the approach to achieve Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Landing System (GLS) capability in later years. WAAS testing in September 2002 confirmed accuracy performance of 1 - 2 meters horizontal and 2 -3 meters vertical throughout the majority of the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska. The WAAS signal can also be used for many non-aviation applications, as well. Many users have utilized the system's increased accuracy for applications such as hiking, boating, agriculture, and even the World Trade Center recovery effort.
Read a detailed description of How WAAS Works. WAAS Status and LPV Questions and Answers Related Links:
LAAS What is LAAS? The Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) is an augmentation to GPS that focuses its service on the airport area (approximately a 20-30 mile radius). Systems such as LAAS are known as ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS). LAAS broadcasts its correction message via a very high frequency (VHF) radio data link from a ground-based transmitter. LAAS will yield the extremely high accuracy, availability, and integrity necessary for Category I, II, and III precision approaches, and will provide the ability for more flexible, curved approach paths. LAAS demonstrated accuracy is less than 1 meter in both the horizontal and vertical axis.
Read a detailed description of How LAAS Works. Related Links:
Please be sure to check out the latest version of the SatNav News available Online. |
