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Description
No, SMGCS isn't some cute little fuzzy critter in cartoons. It's an acronym for Surface Movement Guidance and Control System and is actually pronounced, "SMGGS." Think of SMGCS as some procedures and a collection of lights, marks, and signs that will exist at airports supporting runway operations in less than 1200 RVR.
Even if you don't normally putt around with visibility that low, you should know what all theses items mean before you encounter them on a cruddy day.
Who Cares?
Good question. Pilots operating under Part 91 of the FARs can take off in any weather, and you may choose to do so at your home 'drome that perhaps only has a Cat I ILS and isn't SMGCS equipped. However, pilots operating under Parts 135 and 121 have different rules. Their visibility requirement is a mile for takeoff, but their operations specifications may permit them to take off in lower conditions. Plus, there are Category II and III ILS approaches that may be present and permit landing in visibility under 1200 RVR.
SMGCS-equipped airports are typically served by at least one Part 121 carrier but that includes many primarily GA airports. When you share the tarmac at these airports, you should know what the new and different lights and marks mean.
One of the FAA's hottest issues over the last few years has been run way incursion incidents and accidents. Although our total accident rate is still low, improper ground operations remain at the top of the list of potential plane-on-plane collisions... |
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