Benefits of Satellite-Based Navigation
Satellite-based navigation is a revolutionary advancement in navigation technology in a wide variety of fields. Aviation, with its worldwide
operations, is a significant beneficiary of this technology. JetPro has been involved with GPS since its inception in civil aviation in 1993
and has accrued a significant corporate knowledge base of how this technology can be applied.
Satellite-based navigation provides the following qualities:
Accuracy:
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GPS, and particularly WAAS, provides unprecedented levels of navigation accuracy. This accuracy, combined with professionally designed
instrument procedures, allows aircraft to fly more precise approach and departure paths to and from airports. This significantly reduces
the minimum weather requirements for airports to remain operational.
Safety:
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With better navigation comes enhanced safety. Many airports that did not have any navigation aids can now benefit from the use of GPS
to provide an instrument approach when one was not possible. It is estimated that WAAS approaches will reduce the probability of an
aircraft accident during the approach and landing phase of flight by up to 80%.
Decommissioning of Conventional Navigation Aids:
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NDB’s, VOR’s and DME’s are not required in a satellite-based navigation environment. Most of our clients, with the implementation of
GPS or WAAS, chose to decommission these devices and enjoy the economic benefits of reduce operating costs while also enjoying the
improved capabilities of GPS/WAAS.
Unconstrained three-dimensional design:
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Since GPS based procedures are defined by three dimensional waypoints (latitude/longitude/altitude), the designer has almost unlimited
flexibility to define an arrival/approach or departure route. This flexibility can be used to avoid built-up areas, environmentally
sensitive areas, and also create an optimized route that maximizes payload capabilities, both on an approach and departure.