Russia PE-90.02 Datum versus WGS-84
The Russians are gradually making their reference datum of PE-90.02 coincide exactly to WGS-84. Today, April 1, 2010 the maximum difference is half of a meter at worst and at best only six inches difference. Another adjustment to the PE-90.02 datum is to be made next year bringing it even closer to the exact same datum as WGS-84.
I believe with the two datums so close to one another, today I would leave my GPS sensors enabled while flying in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. A maximum error of 18 inches will probably be not noticeable to the flight crew.
Thanks!
Dick Siano
Pilot Instructor FlightSafety International Teterboro, NJ