GPS question

Ingo K?hne wrote:
I am not a real pilot, just interested in aviation and simulation. My
question is if the GPS with all its accuracy and worldwide
availability will soon replace all other navaids for IFR. So a little
provocative: who needs VORs and NDBs anymore?

You cannot solely rely on a single navigation aid system, in particular if
it is controlled by the military.
Therefore there will always be some form of terrestial navigation aid as a
backup system.

jue

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004, J=FCrgen Exner wrote:

Ingo K?hne wrote:
I am not a real pilot, just interested in aviation and simulation. My
question is if the GPS with all its accuracy and worldwide
availability will soon replace all other navaids for IFR. So a little
provocative: who needs VORs and NDBs anymore?

You cannot solely rely on a single navigation aid system, in particular i=
f
it is controlled by the military.

Add to that that for non-Americans, GPS is controlled by a *foreign*
military. Decommisioning surface nav in favour of foreign-controlled GPS
is not something even friendly governments will do lightly. Hence the EU's
proposed (in progress?) parallel GPS network, as well.

The other major reason is that there are lots and lots of older aircraft
(private and commercial) that still rely on the surface nav for their
primary or only navigation insturments. Aviation GPS is not a cheap
upgrade for older but still servicable planes...

Brian.

"Jürgen Exner" wrote:

You cannot solely rely on a single navigation aid system, in particular if
it is controlled by the military.
Therefore there will always be some form of terrestial navigation aid as a
backup system.

jue

You might look to see how many countries have approved IFR navigation
using GPS. The use of "military controlled" is one of those
xenophobic phrases used to justify Galileo. I use GPS frequently and
I have ZERO concerns about the people who operate the system.

Ron Lee
American and proud of it

Ron,

The use of "military controlled" is one of those
xenophobic phrases used to justify Galileo.


Well, I agree - and I don't.
Yes, the Galileo people have strong agenda. Yes, one might argue that
economic dependance on GPS has become so great for all people involved
that the US government cannot afford to switch it off or degrade it too
much in any case.

OTOH, US administrations have shown time and again colossal disregard
for the interests of the international community when trying to gain
personal or national benefits. So, a little distrust is understandable.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)