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 categorizes GPS approaches into five main types: three non-precision (LNAV, LNAV+V, LP) which use Minimum Descent Altitudes (MDAs), and two precision or Approach with Vertical Guidance (APV) types (LNAV/VNAV, LPV) which utilize Decision Altitudes (DAs).
- Wide Area Augmentation Service (WAAS) is crucial for improved accuracy and precision in most GPS approaches, enabling vertical guidance for LNAV/VNAV and LPV, and enhanced lateral guidance for LP approaches.
- LNAV+V provides an advisory glidepath but is still a non-precision approach, whereas LPV approaches offer high precision and angular guidance akin to an ILS, allowing for significantly lower minima.
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