You Could Soon Hear an Autopilot Announcing its Intention to Land

We only knew it here in Oz as Flying High.....I plead ignorance...

RC model aircraft had the ability to locate a suitable airport, change configuration extend landing gear and land there safely while announcing the procedure on the appropriate ATC frequency?
Didn't know that.

I think that you'll find that "normal" navaids will sooner, than later, become a thing of the past.

It's all a part of the NextGen world which is the shift from ground-based to satellite-based technology. GPS satellites and the corresponding aircraft equipment are why we can transition from tracking aircraft using radar to Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) and provide a more accurate and precise way to fly from one place to another instead of using ground-based aids for Performance Based Navigation. Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (LPV) approaches take advantage of the refined accuracy of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) lateral and vertical guidance to provide an approach very similar to a Category I Instrument Landing System (ILS). Like an ILS, an LPV has vertical guidance and is flown to a Decision Altitude (DA).

Basic GPS service lets users on or near the Earth's surface know where they are within 20 feet (or less) 95 percent of the time. For aircraft that use a satellite-based augmentation system, known as Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), their positions and altitude are accurate within 10 feet. Aircraft equipped with GPS/WAAS can fly shorter routes, and take off and land more safely and efficiently.

The Garmin "EMERGENCY" system uses RNAV(GPS) approach procedures at suitable (i.e. LPV/RNAV/GPS approach capable) airports within a 200 mile radius of the airplane. There are, at last count about 5000 RNAV (GPS) approaches in the U.S. In fact there are twice as many LVP approaches than there are those with a glide slope.

Here in my neck of the woods I practice LVP approaches using the St. Pete (PIS) RNAV(GPS) Rwy 18 and 36 approaches. Occasionally I'll meander on down to Naples (APF) and make a RNAV(GPS) Rwy 5/23 approach or two. Generally when my wife wants to go to her favorite Thai restaurant.

That said the handwriting is on the wall for the traditional ILS approach which has two antenna (the localizer at the far end of the runway and the glide slope which is third of the way down the runway.) Eventually ground based NAV systems will become a thing of the past. Years ago folks burned bonfires for approaching mail aircraft, then there was lighted beacon airways, big arrows and distance to an airport painted on top of barn roofs, Fan Markers (A and Z markers) Non Directional Beacons, then VORs. All that either did or will eventually disappear. The Garmin folks are simply developing technology that fits (or will fit) current (WAAS) technologies. The days of "shooting an approach" with an old Narco Mk III are almost over.

Much, much more on the FAA's website if you care to read it. Start here if you're interested https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/gnss/waas/.

Best

Capt J Buck

ATP DC-9 B757 B767
Flight Instructor
Ground Instructor
Aircraft Dispatcher
A&P Mechanic
Air Traffic Controller
FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.)
FAA certified accident investigator (Ret.)
ICAO Panel Member
Aviation Safety Consultant

your comments are most welcome, because of your experience, documented authentic experience. When i read you, i then know more than i did before . thanks.... I will miss having to make the localizer and glide slope bars behave. Instrument ticket was among the most valuable, most difficult test i ever had, and the most gratifying. Actual instrument approaches are exhilerating.....

That is exactly right - as part of your relevant subscriptions. That's why I'm confused why the new EAL system doesn't make any good use of it !