ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Local area augmentation system

Hey kiddo, do you ever wonder how airplanes stay on the right path when they're flying in the sky? Well, there's a special system called the Local Area Augmentation System, or LAAS for short, that helps planes stay on track.

Think of LAAS as a map for pilots. It's like when you get lost and your mom or dad uses a map app to guide you to your destination. Similarly, LAAS helps pilots navigate the sky by providing them with accurate information about their surroundings.

One of the ways LAAS works is by using special sensors and satellite signals to measure the exact position of an airplane. It also checks things like the weather and any obstacles that might be in the way.

Once LAAS has all this information, it sends it to the airplane's GPS system. That way, the pilot can see a map of where they are and where they're going, just like you might see when you're using Google Maps.

But LAAS doesn't just show the pilot a map. It also helps them make decisions about how to fly the plane. For example, if there's a dangerous storm ahead, LAAS can warn the pilot to change course or slow down.

Overall, LAAS is a very important system because it helps keep planes and their passengers safe. So the next time you look up at the sky and see a plane flying overhead, remember that LAAS is helping it stay on track!