GPS jamming article

[holbrog]

Link to recent article that talks about GPS jamming and the ease of access to portable jammers:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/...html?full=true

If this is all factual, we may have more than just the Lightsquared folks to worry about. Looks like having some nav aid other than GPS may still be a good plan.

[Sig600]

GPS time, basically atomic clock time, is used in all kinds of applications that have nothing to do with GPS positioning. I remember reading a popular science article about how easy it is. A couple of bucks at radio shack. Even mentioned taking the door off a microwave could jam GPS for miles, directionally (I don't recommend trying it out). There are easy ways to sheild against it, but that incurs significant cost/complexity that no one out side of the military really wants to invest in.

Certain countries figured out years ago how to deny GPS.

[L.Adamson]

As you most likely noticed, numerous events mentioned in the article happened up to four years ago. I know, because I've read it before.

Do I think we're too dependent on GPS? H*** NO....................And I'm glad we are. It's about time, that technology has gotten to where it's at!
The future... with terrain/obstacle mapping and synthetic vision is the best thing to come along for IFR in decades!

I'm sick and tired reading about the chain of events that often end with a CFIT. The mountains around here are dotted with CFIT accidents from one end to the other. Thankfully, moving maps and synthetic vision are a means, which the pilot can immediately look at..........and instantly realize, that the present course or altitude is not a good one to be at. Radio nav can't do that, and never could!

IMO, there is a lot of the "sky is falling" mentality in regards to GPS. I don't want to see a step backwards..... and return to the 1940's radio nav.
Loran isn't that worthwhile either. I've used moving map GPS since 1993. I know how reliable it really is. With all that's been invested in the GPS constellation.............I really don't believe that the future will end up with a bunch of cases of hap hazard jamming all over the place.

Note: CFIT (controlled flight into terrain)

L.Adamson --- RV6A, Garmin 696

[N208ET]

We use them on our boats navigating the Columbia River. They are a great tool but they are just that, a tool, not something to become so dependant on that you can't navigate without it.

Randy
8A Flying