One of two satellites providing Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) coverage has experienced technical issues and has discontinued its broadcast. The FAA does not anticipate any immediate impact to service, but the remaining satellite is the only one broadcasting the WAAS signal in space; WAAS users may experience temporary service outages because of lack of redundant geostationary satellite (GEO) signals if a switch between the primary and backup GEO uplink stations occurs.

WAAS enables pilots to fly IFR without reliance on ground-based navigation aids; LPV approaches rely on WAAS signals. The Intelsat Galaxy XV GEO drifted out of its orbit position, requiring its WAAS signal to be discontinued, the FAA said. The failure of the GEO will directly affect 16 airports in Northwest Alaska, but none of those airports have published LPV approaches. Users in that area can continue to fly the existing LNAV procedures. but must confirm that GPS receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) with fault detection and exclusion will be available for the flight during planning.

For the rest of the national airspace system, a single GEO will provide WAAS signals—what is referred to as single-string—until an additional satellite comes on line, expected in December.

“AOPA is working with the FAA’s navigation services division to ensure that the impacts of this outage are addressed, and that information is relayed in a timely manner,” said Heidi Williams, AOPA senior director of airspace and modernization.

FAA makes corrections to sport pilot rule

The FAA has issued corrections to its rule regarding the certification of aircraft and airmen for light sport aircraft operation, which became effective April 2.

The agency has removed the requirement for an individual to receive a make and model endorsement to operate various aircraft within a specific set of LSA. This allows pilots who receive one endorsement for a specific set of aircraft to fly all aircraft within that set.

Pilots operating under a sport pilot certificate may receive training and an endorsement to operate LSAs with a maximum level flight speed less than 87 KCAS. The FAA was concerned for the safety of pilots who had little experience flying slow, high-drag airplanes.