MLS RNAV Accuracy Flight Tests

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MLS RNAV Accuracy Flight Tests

Mackin, Cliff / Magrogan, Michael

This paper discusses the results of a series of flight tests conducted at various locations. The purpose of the flights were to obtain accuracy performance measures. Flights were conducted at the FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City, N.J., Tamiami Airport in Miami, Florida, and Lebanon, New Hampshire. The flight tests conducted at Atlantic City included computed centerline approaches in which the azimuth transmitter was offset 500 feet and 1000 feet from the runway centerline. The Lebanon flight test consisted of a computed centerline approach where the azimuth is more than 400 feet off the runway centerline. A series of precision approaches were conducted during the flight tests at Tamiami Airport. These included a multi-segment glide path on the runway where the equipment was sited, an approach to a parallel runway (3500 feet offset) and an approach to an intersecting runway. Results of these flight tests indicate that category I computed centerline operations could be conducted across a wide range of MLS siting conditions.