Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

Which approach allows you to skip the RAIM check?

1. VOR approaches

2. LP approaches

3. WAAS approaches

4. LNAV+V approaches

The correct answer is: WAAS approaches

The correct choice is WAAS approaches. The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) provides enhanced GPS accuracy, which includes built-in redundancy and integrity monitoring. Because of this system's advanced capabilities, it effectively compensates for potential errors that might arise from satellite signals. As a result, aircraft equipped for WAAS can use these approaches without performing the Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) check that is typically required for other navigation methods like standard GPS. Other approaches, such as VOR, LP, or LNAV+V, require standard RAIM checks due to their dependence on basic GPS signals, which do not include the same level of accuracy or integrity oversight as provided by WAAS. Therefore, the WAAS approach streamlines the process, allowing pilots to confidently execute the approach without needing to verify RAIM status beforehand.