A-95-121
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Implement, by 12/31/97 a model program in the arctic and southeast regions of Alaska to demonstrate a low altitude Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) system that better fulfills the needs of Alaska's air transportation system. The model program should include the following components: (1) the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a sole source of navigational info for en route navigation and for non-precision instrument approaches at a representative number of airports where instrument approaches do not currently exist. (Operators participating in the program will have to be allowed to conduct these operations without the integrity monitoring functions of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) until WAAS is fully implemented in the demonstration region.) (2) the use of satellite-based voice communications and satellite-based, mode s, or VHF data link (for aircraft position and altitude) between aircraft in flight and air traffic controllers. (3) the operation of commercial, passenger-carrying flights under IFR in turbine-powered single-engine airplanes equipped with redundant source of electrical power and gyroscopic instrument vacuum/pressure. (4) the use of currently uncontrolled airspace for IFR departures, en route flight, and instrument approaches in the demonstration program region.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asked the FAA to create a pilot program in Alaska’s remote areas to test new ways for planes to fly safely in bad weather without relying on traditional ground-based navigation aids. This initiative would allow pilots to use satellite signals for direction and communication, enabling instrument flights in regions that currently lack such infrastructure. The goal was to improve air travel reliability in these challenging environments by proving that modern technology could support safe operations where older systems are unavailable.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jul 1, 2003 |
| NTSB number | 80696 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).