The World`s first sattelite based precision approach system, so-called SCAT-1, has recieved approval this week after a lengthly evaluation process by the Norwegian CAA, FAA, and Bombardier test pilots. The approval so far concerns a single airport-Bronnøysund ENBN (BNN)-which has a difficult location and lousy weather.
The company involved is Widerøe`s Flyveselskap and they have equipped their fleet of DHC-8 100`s with the necessary electronics.
Most of Widerøe`s Northern destinations require glidepaths in excess of 3 degrees, which meant that prior to the new gear they flew approaches without glidescope guidance into some difficult areas. Now they will have azimuth and glide path guidance throughout the approach, at glide path angles well in excess of that provided by conventional GS systems. The intention was not to lower the limits for the approach, but to increase safety by reducing the risk of CFIT during the approach phase.
If someone could post a technical link for the SCAT-1 system, I would appreciate it.
GPS approaches.
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hamstandard
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The Universal line of FMSs completed WAAS cerification in March. I don't think they have any LAAS certs in place yet which you need for SCAT approaches.The only time I have heard of this previously was in the user manual for the Universal 1F FMS. Said it was capable of doing such an approach.
The new series of FMSs are however designed to be "technically" prepared for LAAS approach certifiactions.
There is a great deal of excitement lately regarding WAAS but it really doesn't do anything for airlines and business jets. LAAS and the SCAT approaches will truly be a big deal.
Absolutely! This can't happen fast enough in my opinion and it will profoundly change the way we fly, navigate and conduct instrument approaches to anywhere we choose in the world regardless of terrain. The efficiency benefits alone will be tremendous to say nothing of the incredible safety enhancement. My hat's off to Westjet for the way they have embraced the RNAV capability of their planes.CID wrote:The Universal line of FMSs completed WAAS cerification in March. I don't think they have any LAAS certs in place yet which you need for SCAT approaches.The only time I have heard of this previously was in the user manual for the Universal 1F FMS. Said it was capable of doing such an approach.
The new series of FMSs are however designed to be "technically" prepared for LAAS approach certifiactions.
There is a great deal of excitement lately regarding WAAS but it really doesn't do anything for airlines and business jets. LAAS and the SCAT approaches will truly be a big deal.
