Pilots that use GPS, take note

[vg-photo]

Numerous previously IFR-certified GPS receivers might now be unapproved for flying many instrument procedures due to recent FAA policy changes, according to AOPA. On Thursday, the association said the FAA's Advisory Circular 90-100A, issued in March, indicates that only three GPS models -- the Garmin 400, 500 and G1000 series -- are now legal. Other models made by Garmin, including the new GNS 480 WAAS receiver, as well as receivers manufactured by Chelton, Honeywell, Northstar, and Trimble are listed as "noncompliant," AOPA said. (Click here for a more comprehensive compliance list.) AOPA said the the FAA has committed to work to resolve the pilot group's concerns over these policy changes. The action, as it now stands, means up to 26,000 GPS users no longer comply with a 1996 FAA policy that allows GPS to be used in lieu of ADF or DME.

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FAA_Policy_Change_Voids_Many_IFR_GPS_Units_195277-1.html

[Dan K]

Today's FAA: We're not happy until you're not happy.

[Lynn Allen]

More like: Where here to help you



Lynn

[CAPFlyer]

I already found one failure in the AOPA article. It states that the GNS480 is not approved under this system. According to the detailed list, it is, at least partially. According to the document, the GNS480 is approved for RNAV 1 (SID/STAR/IAP) operations, but not RNAV 2 (Q-routes) operation unless you use a free WAAS enroute planning software to ensure proper system integrity along the intended route of flight. It also states that Garmin can get a Letter of Agreement if they so choose for it as that is all that is missing for RNAV 2 certification.

At the same time, since this was triggered by an ICAO change of requirements, I'm kinda surprised that the major GPS manufacturers hadn't anticipated it and made more models compliant before this was issued.