Is marker beacon reception still useful??

[DXB]

So does anyone with WAAS GPS as a tool to identify waypoints ever actually make use of  marker beacon reception in the modern world?  It's my understanding the transmitters are slowly going away.  I have not had my IR very long, but I've as yet to encounter an approach that has them or even hear a marker beacon signal although I keep my audio panel MKR reception on at all times.  

The reason that I'm asking is that my plane has avionics work on the horizon, and I'm considering getting the marker beacon antenna and related wiring removed at that time.  I'm a bit of a minimalist neat freak and also looking for any possible increase in UL. 

[carusoam]

How many GPSi do you have on board?

Seems to be more of a back-up to the DME device...

and an audible alert during a busy time, while scanning out the window in low IMC.

Does the WAAS GPS give audible alerts in a similar fashion?

The magic box of a modern GPS also has receivers for VOR and ILS and com.

Carusoam logic....

If... your DME and ADF have been tossed already...

than... the Marker Beacons are not far behind...

Else... hold onto all this stuff until a second WAAS GPS is installed...

you want a second, independent, device to get close to the ground on approach...

I only have one ILS for this task.  This left me planning for alternates with an ILS, and no real plan for primary hardware issues beyond that... flying to better weather is acceptable, but you can strive to do better for a few amu more...

PP thoughts only, not a CFII 

Best regards,

-a-

[Cooperd0g]

I fly a lot of instrument and I saw my first marker beacon in well over a year to denote the final approach fix on an ILS last week. But it also was defined by DME. I would say no, it isn’t super relevant in the US. 

[kpaul]

The ILS approach into KGTR Rwy 18, requires the final approach fix be identified by 1. marker beacon, 2. crossing radial or 3. GPS.  I fly it almost everyday, or I should say my students fly me on it.  

It is not common and I rarely have found a time I need the marker beacon in recent times.

[Baker Avionics]

If I am not mistaken, you would only really NEED it if you are shooting approaches with your AP.  some AO take the MB and use it to desensitize the GS signal on approach when coupled to create a washout signal so you do not porpoise on a coupled approach.  OTher than that, pretty much useless. IMHO.

[jaylw314]

22 hours ago, DXB said:

So does anyone with WAAS GPS as a tool to identify waypoints ever actually make use of  marker beacon reception in the modern world?  It's my understanding the transmitters are slowly going away.  I have not had my IR very long, but I've as yet to encounter an approach that has them or even hear a marker beacon signal although I keep my audio panel MKR reception on at all times.  

The reason that I'm asking is that my plane has avionics work on the horizon, and I'm considering getting the marker beacon antenna and related wiring removed at that time.  I'm a bit of a minimalist neat freak and also looking for any possible increase in UL. 

The marker beacon antenna is about as simple as it gets, so removing it probably saves little weight.  Where is it on Mooney's?  I assume it is in one of the wingtips or fiberglass fairings?

The first time I found a marker beacon, it scared the living bejesus out of me.  I'd never heard the beeps before, and all of a sudden, I thought the plane was falling apart or something.

[DXB]

1 hour ago, jaylw314 said:

The marker beacon antenna is about as simple as it gets, so removing it probably saves little weight.  Where is it on Mooney's?  I assume it is in one of the wingtips or fiberglass fairings?

The first time I found a marker beacon, it scared the living bejesus out of me.  I'd never heard the beeps before, and all of a sudden, I thought the plane was falling apart or something.

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/ci-102.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxvbdBRC0ARIsAKmec9a0SyIRnj6ypBnVguBL-8nAFgGlQJhtkton5LQKoxg5zJ7Z9MLUq-caApxUEALw_wcB

Mine is this canoe shaped thingy on the belly by the transponder antenna.  0.6lbs. Maybe some more for the cables.  

[thinwing]

Mine is installed in the Belly but under the aft access panel.I might weigh a lb

[Jim Peace]

Cat 2 or 3 approaches it may be required for some ops....but who does that with a Mooney?