ATC
Will avionics makers be ready for inauguration of IFR WAAS?
The recent successful completion of a 60-day continuous performance test of the FAA’s wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) is expected to clear the way for

The recent successful completion of a 60-day continuous performance test of the FAA’s wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) is expected to clear the way for full IFR use of the satellite navigation concept starting late next year. The question now is whether anyone will be able to use it.

While pilot groups and avionics makers  applaud the news, the manufacturers appear to have been caught somewhat flat-footed by the unexpected announcement from the FAA that the beleaguered WAAS program is moving forward and not backward.