Microwave Landing Systems: Additional Systems Should Not Be Procured Unless Benefits Proven
Abstract
Important parts of our national airspace system (NAS) are the precision landing systems which allow aircraft equipped with the necessary electronic hardware (avionics) to land in conditions of limited visibility, thereby increasing the time an airport can operate during poor weather. The current precision landing system, the instrument landing system (US), is scheduled to be replaced with the microwave landing system(MLS) as part of the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) ambitious effort to modernize the nations air traffic control system-known as the MS plan. The Chairman, Subcommittee on Transportation, House Committee on Appropriations, asked GAO to review FAA'S implementation of the NAS plan. As part of this effort, GAO reviewed the MIS program, addressing the following objectives: assess the justification and requirements for a new precision landing system to replace IIS and determine and analyze IZS improvements since MIS was justified, determine whether FAA has adequately demonstrated MIS' potential operational and economic benefits, and determine the reasonableness of FAAS MW siting strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1988
- Accession Number
- AD1101890
Entities
People
- Carrie Watkins
- Charles Cotton
- Donald Campbell
- Edward Morahan
- J. D. Peach
- Kenneth Mead
- Leah B. Cates
- Maryellen Heagy
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office