One of the things I see often on IFR stage checks and IPCs is a lack of familiarity with the different kinds of GPS approaches and their respective capabilities and idiosyncrasies. Introduction of Localizer Precision (LP) approaches has made that worse. Given that the U.S. has over 12,000 GPS approaches, it’s time we mastered the variables.
GPS Alphabet Soup
Key Takeaways:
- The article identifies five distinct GPS approach types—LNAV, LNAV+V, LP, LNAV/VNAV, and LPV—categorizing them as either non-precision (Minimum Descent Altitude/MDA) or precision (Decision Altitude/DA) procedures.
- Wide Area Augmentation Service (WAAS) is critical for all but basic LNAV approaches, providing enhanced accuracy and enabling precision vertical guidance for LNAV/VNAV and LPV approaches, with LPV being operationally equivalent to an ILS.
- Each GPS approach type has specific capabilities and limitations, such as the LNAV+V's non-precision advisory glidepath and the LP's WAAS-enhanced lateral guidance designed for locations where full vertical guidance isn't feasible due to terrain.
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