Originally Posted by
QCappy
Another advantage of having the ability to do a single engine CAT III approach is it usually also allows you to have lower takeoff alternate minimums. Therefore the airline can save money on fuel tankering by not having to have a takeoff alternate.
This may not sound worth the price of the system, but like others have said here on the west coast we get fog quite often. I'm looking out the window right now and can't see very far. I have done many CAT III approaches in my career, flying soley on the west coast. I have even had to hold twice when the weather went below 600 RVR in Seattle.
The other thing about the HUD is it is a great thing to use in every day flying. It is a great tool for precise aircraft control and allows your eyes to be out of the cockpit much more.
Although the HGS is a great tool for flying single engine ILS approaches, Alaska is only authorized to fly Cat I approaches single engine. The need for a takeoff alternate is based on departure field weather, if it is below Cat I an alternate is needed. The HGS is easier (read, cheaper) to maintain but sometimes after flying all night and faced with a Cat III approach its is nice to let the autoland do its thing and monitor it in the HGS. Both are great options to have.