WAAS - iFly General Discussions

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WAAS

10/24/2012 2:08 PM

Gregory Greene

Joined: 5/10/2012

Posts: 106

Re: WAAS

Walter Boyd wrote:

Jerry,

We continue to have an internal debate about the pros and cons of enabling WAAS. The "cons" are: It would require an external antenna, (external to the airplane would be best, which we don't currently offer). Without such an antenna if you enable WAAS even a traditional lock may take longer to aquire.

The "pros" of using WAAS on our GPS sort of give me the shivers. Using a non certified GPS in the ADSB system probably doesn't intruduce a big safety concern...but I'm sure the FAA wouldn't smile on that. But, using any handheld GPS to perform a percision approach is simply not a good idea, and I really don't want folks to use an iFly for that purpose. It's a great source of additional information to help navigate an approach, but that's it. It shouldn't be used to shoot a zero visibility percision approach, which is when you need WAAS resolution.

Beyond doing a percision approach, the difference between 30' or 5' of error is simply not relevant so the "cons" win and we haven't enabled it.

So, let the debate resume: Please provide thoughts, feedback, recomendations and we'll again consider enabling WAAS on our iFlys.

Thanks!
Walter

Walter,

So, what does it take to make iFly certified? Is it worth a try?

What is required beyond RAIM to get certification?

Greg Greene

10/24/2012 3:05 PM

Walter

Joined: 7/8/2009

Posts: 2778

Re: WAAS

FAA certification? Probably not. I don't think there has ever been a certified portable GPS. There is a reason certified devices are 10x the price of non certified: http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/...

Walter Boyd
President, Adventure Pilot

10/26/2012 9:10 AM

Jerry Morris

Joined: 9/22/2012

Posts: 16

Re: WAAS

Modified By Jerry Morris on 10/26/2012 9:13:58 AM

I started this thread hoping that WAAS could be enabled so its output could be used to provide position information to a transponder for ADSb. I knew it wasn't 2020 compliant, but on talking to xpndr manufacturers I also knew it would work safely. The FAA is not controlling traffic using ADS and their own information states that all traffic won't be visible for a long time to come. Obviously, the ADB equipment situation is going to stay fluid right up until 2020 eve. Seeing some or most is a bunch better than seeing none. IMHO.

I totally understand the companies position about people using the 720, or any portable for approaches. You can't regulate foolishness. However, other features in portables have not been disabled, like, approaches in the Garmin handhelds, runway alignment feathers, approach fixes, approach plates, low altitude charts etc. whixh all would aid in shooting approaches of you're into playing Russian Roulette. I'm not..

Imexcited to read that AP is considering enabling WAAS and applaud them for that decision. I have certified equipment in my panel, but more accuracy in anything never hurts.

10/26/2012 5:00 PM

SOM

Joined: 7/8/2010

Posts: 148

Re: WAAS

Another reason for WAAS is to provide more accurate elevation data. Yes, the altimeter is the instrument that needs to be used but it's useful to have another source of elevation data on-board if you are being questioned by the ATC when near a shelf of Class B airspace.

S. Morgan

10/26/2012 5:21 PM

SOM

Joined: 7/8/2010

Posts: 148

Re: WAAS

Shane wrote:

S Morgan,

I agree completely. While the Horizontal benefits would be limited, the Vertical or Elevation accuracy would be of great benefit. I've added this point to the Wish-List comments. Ya'll be safe and fly some this weekend.

I live near DC and Frankenstorm is about to hit so I and all the other pilots around the area are either re-positioning their airplanes to a safer location or are grounded until Thursday next week.

Thanks for a great product.

S. Morgan

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