The world's first satellite landing systems (SLS) using differential global positioning system (DGPS) technology have received commissioning approval from the FAA.
The Honeywell/Pelorus SLS-2000 systems are situated at Minneapolis-St Paul and Newark international airports in the USA, and the commissioning of the ground stations opens the door to using the SLS for 'live' commercial flights.
Commissioning and supplemental type certification (STC) for the airborne portion of the system are the second and third steps in a four-stage process leading to the use of the SLS-2000 by airports, commercial airlines and general aviation.
Operational approval - the final piece in the jig-saw - is expected during the next four months.
Continental Airlines will be the first airline to receive operational approval from the FAA for the system which, it is claimed, provides a cost-effective way to reduce airport congestion, air traffic noise and the number of weather-related delays by providing aircraft with very precise navigation data to fly instrument approaches.
The result is improved traffic flow and enhanced safety.
Source: Flight Daily News
