Satellite Approach Procedure Numbers Still Rising

The number of traditional instrument approach facilities–ILSs, VORs and NDBs–operating in the U.S. is on the decline, down 133 from last year, to 4,465, according to the FAA. The number of satellite-based procedures measured over the same time period, however, is on the rise. The number of LNAV approaches increased from 5,799 to 5,917. While the number of new LNAV procedures at Part 139 airline airports has remained flat during this period, LNAV procedures at general aviation airports rose approximately 3 percent, from 4,034 to 4,154.