What does "Vertical guidance" in WAAS allow for?

Vertical guidance in WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) provides accurate altitude tracking during approaches to an airport. This system enhances the precision of the GPS signal by correcting errors and allowing for more precise navigation, especially when it comes to vertical descent during an approach procedure.

By offering vertical guidance, WAAS-enabled approaches can provide pilots with a defined glide slope similar to traditional Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), making it easier to maintain the correct vertical profile. This capability is particularly important for precision approaches, where consistent altitude and descent rates are crucial for safe landings.

Overall, the ability to achieve accurate altitude tracking significantly improves safety and reliability in IFR operations, allowing for more efficient landing approaches and minimizing the risk of altitude deviations during critical phases of flight.