Contributed by Gary Harpster, Avionics Service Sales Rep.
WAAS/LPV has no bearing on the IFR Requirements of adding fuel or designating an alternate airport in a flight plan.
There aren’t many days that go by where I don’t field a question or two or provide clarification about WAAS/LPV. I am happy to answer them all. The following is a question that I recently received.
Do I still have to add gas/alternate [airport] if I'm going somewhere that will be WAAS LPV only?
The quick answer is yes. Now for a more in depth look as to why.
Requirements for IFR Flight Conditions
The only reason a pilot is required to designate an alternate airport is when the forecasted weather at the intended destination is below minimums one hour before to one hour after the estimated arrival time. If these conditions are met and filing for an alternate airport is required, then additional fuel is also required. The aircraft must carry enough additional fuel to continue flying at normal cruising speed to the alternate airport and for an additional 45 minutes.
Weather minimums are:
Forecasted cloud ceiling is at least 2,000 feet above the destination airport and visibility will be at least three statute miles for at least one hour before and hour after the estimated time of arrival.
If you have any questions about WAAS, or any other avionics installation related question, please feel free to contact me or download the "Straight Talk About WAAS" booklet and "Upgrading to WAAS" guide.
Gary Harpster serves as an Avionics Installations Sales Rep. at Duncan Aviation's full-service facility in Lincoln, Neb. (LNK), specializing in Hawkers, Falcon 900, EZ2 Upgrades and Learjets. He has given WAAS presentations across the U.S., and hosted the widely viewed WAAS video series. He began his career in aviation in 1977.
