Flights Expand in Alaska

GPS-equipped aircraft in Alaska can now fly more direct, efficient routes in areas lacking radar coverage. The FAA recently approved new procedures that allow GPS-equipped aircraft to proceed from point-to-point directly in areas of limited or no radar coverage. The change also moves The FAA forward in meeting its goal of establishing an improved Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-enabled Area Navigation (RNAV) route structure throughout Alaska. WAAS increases the accuracy and integrity of GPS for aircraft navigation. RNAV routes, which can allow equipped aircraft to fly on any desired flight path, also minimize dependence on ground-based navigation. Prior to the new procedures being implemented, aircraft with GPS couldn't fly from point to point on random RNAV routes below 45,000 feet unless they were being monitored by radar. Now they can take advantage of the precise, performance-based navigation offered by GPS.