However, the FAA recognizes that GPS technology is now common and considerable experience has been obtained in the installation of GPS. The AEA cautioned that the revision does NOT mean that all GPS/WAAS installations can be treated as “minor alterations,” but rather allows GPS/WAAS equipment to be installed using the same criteria that a repair station would use for installing traditional navigation equipment. For example, under the new guidelines, installation of GNSS (GPS/WAAS) navigation equipment that only interfaces with an antenna, power, ground, an external HSI/CDI with a single source selector switch, and a left/right (deviation-based) autopilot would typically be considered a minor alteration.
…Simplifying Installation
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA now recognizes the maturity and common widespread experience with GPS technology, leading to revised installation guidelines.
- The revision allows GPS/WAAS installations to be treated similarly to traditional navigation equipment by repair stations, simplifying the process for certain configurations.
- While not all GPS/WAAS installations are considered "minor alterations," simple setups (e.g., those interfacing only with an antenna, power, ground, HSI/CDI, and deviation-based autopilot) typically qualify as minor under the new guidelines.
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