PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Steam-navigation versus GPS failure rates
Old 7th Oct 2008, 20:25
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Rightbase
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
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GPS failure

VFR Cambridge to Blackpool, Netherthorpe-POL leg.

NAVs on POL and GAM, plus hand-held GPS. I'm aiming for a small gap between controlled airspaces, so belt, braces and safety harness.

GPS failure - I had stored POL as a waypoint but not included it on this route () so the GPS wanted to take me direct from Netherthorpe to Blackpool. GPS binned for post flight investigation (and GPS route corrected for the return flight!).

Not really a GPS failure, a planning failure. But a serious warning that different technologies have different failure modes and risk factors.

Needless to say my GPS routes are now double checked (as are waypoint coordinates). But I'm only human.....

I have seen GPS interference test notams; I have seen compass errors and NDB/ADF malfunctions, and I've seen VOR unavailable notams. I have not yet flown on a day when a DME service was unavailable, but that is probably an accident of my flying diary.

Nothing is infallible, not even the pilot. Always have a plan B!
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