How WAAS Turned into a Must-have System for Aircraft Satellite Navigation | Aviation International News

How WAAS Turned into a Must-have System

Once the subject of criticism, WAAS is on the majority of general aviation aircraft

WAAS locations (Image: the FAA) — The FAA now has nearly 5,000 WAAS LPV and LP approaches. (Image: The FAA)

By David Hughes

December 4, 2023

Twenty years ago, the FAA commissioned the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), opening the door to satellite-based GPS navigation with accuracy, integrity, and consistent availability for an array of business and general aviation aircraft.

Leading up to then, WAAS had come under scrutiny—and criticism—after encountering several years of delays and mushrooming costs. Even so, groups such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association strongly backed it.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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