How GPS Equipment Works in Aircraft?

The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a radio navigation system that many may be familiar with. Common to vehicles and smartphones alike, GPS equipment allows one to track their movement or direct themselves utilizing geolocation and time information as provided by satellite systems. While often used for driving, GPS technology is also implemented on aircraft for standard flight operations. To use GPS while in flight, one must have a basic understanding of its functionality, segments, and more.

The GPS is a very beneficial tool for VFR operations, providing precise point-to-point navigation offered by a global network of satellites. From space, each satellite will transmit data in the form of a computer code packet, each of which are sent on frequency 1,575.42 MHz one thousand times a second. With the placement and spacing of each satellite system, any single position on earth will have at least four satellites in view, ensuring that positioning can be conducted with ease.

As the aircraft is in flight, GPS equipment will allow for the horizontal positioning of the vehicle to be pinpointed in longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates. Many aircraft navigation systems will then be able to transform this data into a graphical moving map display, allowing for the aircraft to be displayed in relation to its surrounding airspace on a screen. Generally, aviation GPS navigation equipment will provide data such as track, actual time, present position, groundspeed, altitude, and the time and distance to the next waypoint.

While aircraft GPS has found approval for both en route and approach navigation, it still must only be used for situational awareness. Additionally, such IFR units will have to have their databases updated regularly so that they can remain IFR certified. As of the present, non-precision GPS approaches are commonly used at most US airports. With a wide area augmentation system (WAAS), GPS approaches may be conducted using a ground station to enhance satellite signals. With the WAAS, the GPS could potentially serve as the primary NAVAID during all stages ranging from takeoff to landing. Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitor (RAIM) systems are also useful, monitoring satellites to ensure that they are not receiving corrupt data. RAIM is important for ensuring that receivers obtain the most accurate data possible.

All aviation GPS operate on three segments, those of which are the space, control, and user segment. The space segment consists of 24 satellites that orbit around earth across six orbital planes. Completing an orbit every 12 hours, each satellite is inclined at a 55 degree angle to achieve optimal coverage. The control segment, meanwhile, refers to the various monitoring stations that are placed around the globe. With ground antennas, up-links, and a master station, satellites can be monitored and controlled in terms of their clock and orbit states. Additionally, satellites are updated regularly to effectively operate across their seven to eight year lifespans. The user segment includes the receivers that identify all satellite information. With the unit, flight planning can be established and followed while receiving various information related to groundspeed, position, track, and more.

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