Aviation Global Positioning System: Navigating the Skies with Precision

A set of flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to the Global Positioning System and its significance in aviation.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth.

Trilateration

A process used by GPS to determine a precise location based on signals from multiple satellites.

Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)

A system that enhances the accuracy of GPS by correcting signals in North America.

Flight Management Systems (FMS)

A specialized system that facilitates navigation, route planning, and performance optimization in aircraft.

Positioning Accuracy

The ability of GPS to determine precise location, often within meters.

Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV)

A precision approach method that provides both vertical and lateral guidance during landings.

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)

A system that detects faulty satellite signals to ensure GPS accuracy and reliability.

Fault Detection and Exclusion (FDE)

Mechanisms that isolate and remove erroneous satellite signals to maintain GPS integrity.

European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS)

The European equivalent of WAAS that provides augmented GPS services.

NextGen

The next generation of air traffic control that relies heavily on GPS for efficient operations.