Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)

Wide Area Augmentation System, or WAAS, is an air navigation aid developed by the Federal Aviation Administration to augment the global positioning system, or GPS. WAAS uses ground-based reference stations and satellite signals to improve accuracy. The system is three times more accurate than a standard instrument landing system, or ILS, approach. With the precision of WAAS capabilities, MercyOne can complete more instrument flight rules (IFR) mission requests with lower weather minimum requirements. MercyOne can fly using IFR into any airport with a published instrument approach or into any of the following MercyOne WAAS landing sites.

Albia, Monroe County Hospital
Centerville, MercyOne Centerville Medical Center
Des Moines, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Leon, Decatur County Hospital
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County Hospital
Osceola, Clarke County Hospital
Ottumwa, Ottumwa Regional Health Center
Stuart, Designated Scene LZ