RNAV-GPS is operational!
Thank you Montgomery County and Arlington for funding the enagement of a subject matter expert to support this successful project. Shame on the DC government for not contributing any money. Thank you FAA!
In low visibility conditions, when the clouds are below 3,500’ and/or visibility is less than three miles, aircraft without modern avionics are guided by land-based radio beams called Localizer Type Directional Aid (LDA). As illustrated above, the “Notorious LDA-Z” beam is straight-line flight path guidance from Glen Echo, MD to DCA. These aircraft fly directly over our neighborhoods. The FAA adopted a recommendation from the CWG to implement a GPS guided flight path that will move these planes over the river (RNAV-GPS).
Press on Palisades airplane noise and move from LDA-Z to RNAV GPS
D.C. catches break from airplane noise - AXIOS
New FAA guidance attempts to decrease noise for residents living near Reagan Airport Fox DC New
It’s taken a long time’: How some neighborhoods got relief from plane noise WTOP
New flight path reduces noise for residents near Reagan National Airport DC NEWS NOW
Some DC Neighborhoods Will Experience Quieter Skies Thanks to an FAA Rule Change Washingtonian
To papaphrase Mark Twain "The total demnise of LDA-Z was greatly exaggerated"
The LDA-Z equipment had been taken down for repair and renovation, but was put back into operation earlier this month. It is particularly aggregvating because these commuter flights leave early in the morning. Please send me any screen shots to support complaining to FAA at next CWS meeting.
Thank you PSA for transitioning from LDA-Z to RNAV-GPS
PSA is a commuter airline operating flights for American Airlines. Starting December 23, 2024, PSA pilots began flight simulator and other training for the new RNAV-GPS approach and PSA reports that all aircraft and crews can fly this new south flow arrival procedure that reduces flight time over land and increases flight time over water
PSA spent several months updating policies and procedures using a constant descent angle before the final approach fix.
The updated fix gives pilots added capability for planning and is much easier to use. Mitigation was also added to allow pilots to still use autopilot for instrument conditions.
Hopefully Delta Connection commuter operations will follow suit
LDA-Z Background Information
