Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) allows airports the opportunity for ILS-like approach capabilities without ground-based navigation equipment at the airport.

Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) allows airports the opportunity for ILS-like approach capabilities without ground-based navigation equipment at the airport.

• A. Increases required ground equipment
• B. ILS-like approach capability without ground-based NAV equipment
• C. Shortens VOR range
• D. Provides surveillance only in urban areas

Answer: (B)

WAAS uses satellite signals corrected by a network of ground reference stations to deliver highly accurate GPS with declared integrity. This enables LPV procedures, which provide lateral and vertical guidance similar to an ILS. Because the guidance comes from augmented GPS rather than local ground equipment, an airport can offer precision-approach capabilities without installing ILS-type navigation aids. The other statements don’t fit because WAAS reduces the reliance on ground-based NAV equipment, doesn’t shorten VOR ranges, and isn’t limited to urban areas—its corrections and integrity are available over wide WAAS-covered regions, enabling ILS-like approaches where WAAS is available.

WAAS uses satellite signals corrected by a network of ground reference stations to deliver highly accurate GPS with declared integrity. This enables LPV procedures, which provide lateral and vertical guidance similar to an ILS. Because the guidance comes from augmented GPS rather than local ground equipment, an airport can offer precision-approach capabilities without installing ILS-type navigation aids. The other statements don’t fit because WAAS reduces the reliance on ground-based NAV equipment, doesn’t shorten VOR ranges, and isn’t limited to urban areas—its corrections and integrity are available over wide WAAS-covered regions, enabling ILS-like approaches where WAAS is available.