James Carrie writes:
Dear Sue
Today is a historic day for aviation in the UK, and I thought you might like to pass on the reason why to your readers.
I like francoflyers.org very much and have just moved to Compton Abbas from Thruxton where I found evidence of your work in the archives.
On 20th November 2008, the first approved GPS approach procedure goes live in the UK.
Suitably qualified pilots, in suitably equipped aeroplanes, may now use GPS as a non-precision approach aid into Shoreham Airport (EGKA).
A suitably qualified pilot will hold an IR or, in the UK, an IMC rating.
The GPS equipment must be installed in the aircraft and will direct an HSI in the pilot’s primary field of view.
A hand held GPS, or a GPS mounted on a yoke introduced by the pilot, is not valid.
The GPS box must meet a standard called TSOC129A, and the equipment will have been installed to FAA or JAR/EASA standard AMC20.
Qualifying aircraft will have a supplement in their Aircraft Flight Manual.
The details concerning GPS non-precision approaches are published in CAP 773 and pilots intending to perform GPS approaches would be well advised to read CAA Safety Sense leaflet 25.
The approach charts for Shoreham are available on the NATS web site to download.
Introducing GPS approaches brings the UK one step closer to the European norm.
However, there is one important difference between the way GPS approaches are implemented in the UK and in the rest of Europe.
In the UK, only the distance to go to the runway is shown in the database. In Europe, the distance to go to the next step down point is given.
Gloucester, Exeter and Blackpool are likely to have GPS approaches approved in the near future.
I am a Flight Instructor at Compton Abbas and expect to be unrestricted for instrument lessons very soon.
I have attached the URLs of the reference documents for pilots to brief themselves.
Instruction, if required, must be sought from a suitably qualified instructor.
Online Resources:
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