LDA w/Glideslope

[AC560]

Paul, here's the reply from earlier:

I would disagree that it was ever considered precision. The approach plates (which as I understand are regulatory) have always listed it as non-precision for alternate purposes which again is really the only basis for the question. You also have the issue of lighting and runway markings for a precision approach in TERPS which an LPV/LDA don't require.

The AIM while guidance is not specifically regulatory and I wouldn't base a regulatory decision off it. Nothing has changed in the FAR's in regard to LPV/LDA, the wording in the AIM has changed but that isn't specifically legally binding (though it does further support the concept that only a ILS/MLS/PAR are precision approaches).

 

[brokeflyer]

it's not a precision approach....otherwise it wouldn't be called "precision-like"....

 

[avbug]

The AIM while guidance is not specifically regulatory and I wouldn't base a regulatory decision off it. Nothing has changed in the FAR's in regard to LPV/LDA, the wording in the AIM has changed but that isn't specifically legally binding (though it does further support the concept that only a ILS/MLS/PAR are precision approaches).

If you want specific language in the regulation itself, then look at 14 CFR 1.1, which defines a precision approach as a SIAP with an electronic glideslope:

Precision approach procedure means a standard instrument approach procedure in which an electronic glide slope is provided, such as ILS and PAR.

AIM 5-4-5 grants further clarification in it's latest edition by stating:

7. TERPS criteria are provided for the following types of instrument approach procedures:
(a) Precision Approach (PA). An instrument approach based on a navigation system that provides course and glidepath deviation information meeting the precision standards of ICAO Annex 10. For example, PAR, ILS, and GLS are precision approaches.
(b) Approach with Vertical Guidance (APV). An instrument approach based on a navigation system that is not required to meet the precision approach standards of ICAO Annex 10 but provides course and glidepath deviation information. For example, Baro-VNAV, LDA with glidepath, LNAV/VNAV and LPV are APV approaches.
(c) Nonprecision Approach (NPA). An instrument approach based on a navigation system which provides course deviation information, but no glidepath deviation information. For example, VOR, NDB and LNAV. As noted in subparagraph i, Vertical Descent Angle (VDA) on Nonprecision Approaches, some approach procedures may provide a Vertical Descent Angle as an aid in flying a stabilized approach, without requiring its use in order to fly the procedure. This does not make the approach an APV procedure, since it must still be flown to an MDA and has not been evaluated with a glidepath.

The difference between former definitions and the present? The inclusion of compliance with ICAO standards for Annex 10.

What is cited in one's operation specifications does not define the regulalation, neither does any particular SIAP standard instrument approach procedure define the regulation. The SIAP is appended to Part 97 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, making compliance with the procedure when having accepted a clearance for that procedure, mandatory. However, the procedure does not define the regulation. Compliance therewith is enforced by the regulation, specifically 14 CFR 91.123. The SIAP itself is not binding upon an airman or operator until a clearance for that procedure has been received and accepted. Accordingly, while one may say the procedure is "regulatory" as it is appended in it's current form to Part 97, it doesn't define the regulation nor does it set or establish regulation. The procedure itself is defined by regulation, and one cannot look to a given procedure, in this case, to help define what is or is not a precision approach. We have other specific guidance to tell us that.

The clearing house of information in this regard, the AIM, is very specific on the matter as to not only the definition, but the reason behind it. The AIM is not a regulation, but a summary of regulation, policy, and procedure. Further, contrary to the belief of many, you will be held accountable for adherence to what's contained therein. Much of it is verbatim from the regulation, and it's intended as a clear, concise summary that brings all the necessary information into one place as a reference. You really don't have the option of dismissing or ignoring it. It's accurate and correct, and provides important clarification on many operational issues and procedures. Title 14 of the CFR (the "FAR's") was designed with this purpose in mind. The regulation provides the framework, or the skeleton, if you will, and the additional documentation (Federal Register Preambles, FAA Chief Counsel Legal Interpretations, and other documents and summation, to include the AIM) forms the flesh.

Again, the information has already been covered and provided in enough scope and detail that as stated before, no further response should be necessary. All the "I think it should mean" or "it ought to say" in the world doesn't change what's provided, and what's provided is clear enough.

 

[AC560]

Again, the information has already been covered and provided in enough scope and detail that as stated before, no further response should be necessary. All the "I think it should mean" or "it ought to say" in the world doesn't change what's provided, and what's provided is clear enough.

Your right I should have been more clear in my resposne. An LDA with a G/S has never been considered a precision approach by the FAA. Though we can agree that it isn't now and we are left with ILS/MLS/PAR/GLS as the only precision approaches recogonized by the FAA.

 

[avbug]

Your right I should have been more clear in my resposne. An LDA with a G/S has never been considered a precision approach by the FAA.

Not so. Given the clarification which has been added to the AIM, we see specific categorization of the LDA with glideslope as precision like, but not precision. However, the purpose of Part 1 of the regulation is to define the regulation, and the definition in Part 1 for a very long time now has simply been that a precision approach is an approach procedure with an electronic glideslope.

As you can see, lacking the recent clarification by the AIM, and operating by the standard of 14 CFR Part 1 as the proper and official definition, an LDA with glideslope certainly was defined as a precision approach. It is no longer so defined, given alignment with ICAO Annex 10, and this is a change.

 

[brokeflyer]

Not so. Given the clarification which has been added to the AIM, we see specific categorization of the LDA with glideslope as precision like, but not precision. However, the purpose of Part 1 of the regulation is to define the regulation, and the definition in Part 1 for a very long time now has simply been that a precision approach is an approach procedure with an electronic glideslope.

As you can see, lacking the recent clarification by the AIM, and operating by the standard of 14 CFR Part 1 as the proper and official definition, an LDA with glideslope certainly was defined as a precision approach. It is no longer so defined, given alignment with ICAO Annex 10, and this is a change.

wow...you dont get laid much do ya?.....






j/k couldnt let that one go.

 

[avbug]

Best summed up as...

This message is hidden because brokeflyer is on your ignore list.

 

[brokeflyer]

ah finally.....im suprised it took this long.

dont cry kid it was just a joke.

 

[jak378]

I undersatand and agree with Avbug's reasoning on thie subject. What I do not understand is why the FAA has not changed 1.1 to reflect the compliance with the ICAO. That, it seems to me, is where the confusion lies. I also agree that other than selection of an alternate, the whole issue is moot.

I see in the AIM that a GLS approach is included in the definition of precision approaches. I also find that GPS is a Global Navigation Satellite System Landing System. Redundency aside, what defines this? It appears to have something to do with WAAS and LAAS. Do any exist in the US/in the World? Is this sijmply teh wave of the future?

 

[VW Pilot]

The FAA wont change for the ICAO because them boys is Mercan...ICAO has to change for the FAA which is located on CAPITAL HILL....hint hint....LOL!!!

 

[avbug]

I also find that GPS is a Global Navigation Satellite System Landing System. Redundency aside, what defines this? It appears to have something to do with WAAS and LAAS. Do any exist in the US/in the World?

GPS or RNAV with vertical guidance? You bet. Domestically in the US and abroad, in fact.

 

[jak378]

Avbug-

I am familiear with GPS/RNAV with vertical guidance, in fact it is the only game in town at my local airport. What I am curious about is something the AIM refers to as GLS, which they define as Global Navigation Satellite System Landing System. I have not seen such an approach anywhere, but there appears to be some sort of experimental system in place in Memphis. Is this associated specifically with LAAS?

I am sorry that I misled you. Apparently I mistyped in the second paragraph of my original post. I typed GPS, when I meant to type GLS in the second sentence of the second paragraph.

 

[TxPilot0878]

I don't remember the parameters but for a LDA to HAVE A GS...it has to be within a certain % of degrees offset of the runway or it makes it a non precision no GS approach. Amarillo has one due to Pantex off the End of 22....LDA w/ a GS...mins are close to precision approaches if I remember correctly!


Although the LPV's now are getting down and dirty!

 

[avbug]

I have not seen such an approach anywhere, but there appears to be some sort of experimental system in place in Memphis. Is this associated specifically with LAAS?

Hot off the FAA press (bearing in mind that the FAA press can be stone cold):

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2009
Contact: Tammy L. Jones
Phone: (202) 267-3883
FAA Approves 1st U.S. Ground Based Augmentation System
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the approval of Honeywell’s Smartpath Precision Landing System, clearing the way for increased safety and efficiency at airports by providing precise navigation service based on the global positioning system (GPS). The first U.S.-approved system is located in Memphis, TN and will become operational early next year.

“The approval of Honeywell’s system marks the successful completion of a partnership between the FAA and Airservices Australia to build and certify a ground based augmentation system (GBAS),” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We expect GBAS to become an asset to airports around the world.” Airservices Australia is expected to approve their system soon at Sydney Airport, Australia.

GBAS augments the GPS to provide precision approach guidance to all qualifying runways at an airport. It monitors the GPS signals to detect errors and augment accuracy by transmitting correction messages to aircraft via local radio broadcast. GBAS will initially supplement the legacy Instrument Landing Systems currently used at airports.

The FAA’s NextGen Implementation Plan identifies GBAS as an enabler for descent and approach operations to increase capacity at crowded airports. The Honeywell system is approved for precision approach operations down to 200 feet above the surface. GBAS will be improved over the next few years to guide an aircraft down to the runway surface to support zero-visibility operations and provide precise positioning service to enable performance-based navigation, area navigation (RNAV) and required navigation performance (RNP) operations.

RNAV enables aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground or spaced-based navigation aids, within the limits of the capability of the self-contained systems, or a combination of both capabilities. As such, RNAV aircraft have better access and flexibility for point-to-point operations. RNP is RNAV with the addition of an onboard performance monitoring and alerting capability.

 

[jak378]

Much about the FAA can be stone cold, but that is an extremely interesting article. Of course we now have more acronyms to learn GBAS, etc. Some of this stuff is truly amazing, and I say that as one who remembers A quadrants and N quadrants.

Avbug, you are a fountain of good, correct information.

 

[avbug]

I say that as one who remembers A quadrants and N quadrants.

I learned AN ranges and celestial nav before I learned VOR's; I know exactly what you mean. Mind bogglin that a student has more capability in a little handheld today, so long as it's working, than a cockpit full of gear just a few years back. Very spooky for those who never learned anything else, when the power goes out...

 

[Metro752]

GBAS looks pretty good.

 

[jak378]

I learned AN ranges and celestial nav before I learned VOR's; I know exactly what you mean. ...

I really caught of the Low Frequency Range. It was really a simple, easy to use system. Interestingly enough, with a 30 dollar low freq receiver in the airplane you could navigate back to Midway Airport in Chicago from 3 or 4 hundred miles away. Of course yours hearing might be impaired by the time you got there.

 

[avbug]

And pilots whine about tuning in and listening to an NDB through an approach.

 

[JAFI]

Not always the case.... I gave a type ride to an applicant who did not whine about having to hear the identifier during an NDB approach. He tuned the ADF to the correct freq and shot the approach using the VOR as he told me - a "back up". The ADF needle was at the three o’clock position during the entire approach. I never heard the identifier but he found the airport and landed. I reached over and turned ON the ADF and the Identifier was loud and clear. The needle even pointed at the station. He did go home with a pink slip and his Instructor was "counseled".

I know this is not the theme of the thread but the coffee just kicked in and I remembered the experience.