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Hmm, seeing as most of the 1101's where sold to the CFS
experimental world, it looks like FF didn't like the fact that CFS announced
their own Beta-3 capable WAAS module. Also I wonder how FF's own president
feels about telling people that purchased the 1101 for the OP or other system,
that it *was* approach capable? (which he did, even to the point of promising a
software update for LPV).
Oh well, looks like everyone with one, just got a free VFR
GPS... :)...
For me and my dollars (about 8K at retail too if memory
serves me correctly) I'm waiting for the CFS WAAS module (July timeframe I hear
:) ).
Alan
Like some others, I received a "show special" from
D2 that included a FreeFlight 1101 GPS WAAS receiver.
Recently my panel builder (Redmond Air) sent me a
copy of this "SIL" (Service Information Letter) from
FreeFlight:
___________________________________________________________________________________
TO: FreeFlight Systems’ 1101 GPS/WAAS Sensor
operators and installers
FROM: FreeFlight Systems Customer
Support
SUBJECT: Notification that the FreeFlight 1101 GPS WAAS
Sensor, part number 84736-01-0315, is intended for VFR
only.
PURPOSE: To notify Operators and Service Centers that the
FreeFlight 1101 GPS/WAAS Sensor, p/n 84736-01-0315, is not a certified
WAAS sensor and should be used only for VFR. The FreeFlight 1101
GPS WAAS Sensor was developed as a low cost, uncertified sensor for the
Experimental Aviation market. It has come to our attention, however,
that the units were sold as “equivalent” to our FAA-approved TSO C-145a
(Class Beta-1) 1201 sensor and therefore have the required integrity to
support L-Nav/V-Nav approaches under IFR conditions. This
information is not only inaccurate but potentially dangerous, as an approved
Beta-1 sensor is intended for lateral guidance
only.
ACTION: Notify
Operators and Dealers that the 1101 GPS WAAS Sensor is intended for use as
a VFR sensor and should never be used to fly an NPA or L-Nav/V-Nav
approach, except as a reference under VFR conditions. It is
recommended that all installations utilizing the 1101 sensor be
placarded for VFR USE ONLY.
_________________________________________________________________________
Looks like I'm going to be buying another GPS.
Any comments?
D. Brunner
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