What is meant by the term, precision approach?
Precision approach being one in which glideslope (up/down) guidance, as well as tracking (left/right) guidance, is provided
What is an MDA? What are its implications?
MDA = Minimum descent altitude
- On an instrument approach the aircraft cannot descend below this altitude
What are HIAL and HIRL?
HIAL = High intensity approach lighting
- Extend from the centre line w/ adjustable brightness
HIRL = High intensity runway lights
- Sit flush on the runway w/ adjustable brightness
What is PAL?
Pilot activated lighting
What is AFRU?
ARFU = Aerodrome frequency response unit
Is a tool used on a CTAF frequency:
- When a transmission is made when one has not occurred in the past 5 mins an automatic voice message will play once made e.g. “Goulburn CTAF”
- At the end of each transmission a small “beep” sound will play allowing the pilot to confirm the transmitter and receiver are functional, correct volume is set and the correct freq is being used
What is GNSS?
GNSS = Global navigation satellite system
Is a generic term for the international combined system of satellites and ground stations comprised of:
- NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS - USA)
- Global orbiting navigation satellite system (GLONASS - Russia)
- Galileo (Also works with GPS but owned by the EU)
- BeiDou (China)
What is RNP?
- Required navigation performance
- RNP is a statement of the navigation performance accuracy necessary for operation within defined airspace
- It prescribes the the maximum allowable track deviation in nautical miles, within which an aircraft must be contained with a 95% probability for the route
What is RAIM?
- Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
- Is a technique whereby a GPS receiver/processor analyses the signal integrity and relative positions of all satellites which are in view, so as to select only the best four
- RAIM requires a minimum of 5 visible satellites to work
What is RAIM FDE?
RAIM FDE = RAIM Fault detection and Exclusion
- The GPS reciever/processor is able to detect a bad satellite which is providing incorrect data by comparing the other satellites
- Require at least 6 satellites in view
- Basically, when FDE is available the satellite data can be guaranteed because the system is self monitoring its accuracy and checking itself
What is the different between HAA and HAT?
HAA = Height above aerodrome (used for circling areas)
HAT = Height above threshold (used for straight in approaches)
