GPS Testing - So Cal:
Sample NOTAM illustration
Be sure to check if the following testing will interfere with your flight plans! - You are also advised to confirm the data below via NOTAMS both to check for accuracy and/or updates.
GPS Testing can interfere with the accuracy of the signal sometimes from ground level up to an unlimited altitude, and can extend well beyond the Navaid's site area!
Also, You are asked to please report anomalies in accordance with the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) paragraphs 1-1-13 and 5-3-3. BE SURE TO CHECK NOTAMS for status and/or any changes! CLICK HERE for a link to the GPS ANOMOLY REPORTING FORM
Thank you!
The AOPA Advocacy article dated 11/28/2018 entitled, Less isn't more for GPS and flight safety by Dan Namowitz describes the paradox created by GPS Interference testing (the degrading of the GPS signal) when at the same time the FAA world is promoting GPS / ADS-B technology as the Nextgen Standard. You can read AOPA's article addressing GPS Testing, that includes a reference to navigation circumstances created by GPS testing in the Los Angeles area by clicking HERE.
From NAFI comes the following article seen as particularly interesting in light of alleged GPS jamming by Russia during recent NATO exercises:
Quantum 'Compass' May Promise Navigation Without GPS
GPS is vital to modern navigation, but if a satellite fails or there's a jamming attack, it quickly becomes useless. Scientists may have a much more robust answer. Scientists have demonstrated a "commercially viable" quantum accelerometer that may provide navigation without GPS or other satellite technology. The device uses lasers to cool atoms to extremely low temperatures, and then measures the quantum wave properties of those atoms as they respond to acceleration. It might keep transportation networks humming even if GPS fails outright. Read more here.
From AOPA 2/27 is this article by Dan Namowitz entitled: GPS jamming scheduled across US - Read it HERE
You are reminded that UTC time is 8 hours ahead of PST & 7 hours ahead of PDT.
InFO 19006, SPOT, LLC (SPOT) Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellite Messenger Interference with GPS Position Information, is now published. You can read the latest InFO Here
For those interested in Signal reliability as it might affect ADS-B, SAPT may be an interesting subject to pursue. Visit the SAPT FAA homepage to get the info Here
07/28/2021 Commerce Secretary Joins Fight Against GPS Jamming - From Russ Niles at AVweb - Read it Here.
10/11/2021 GPS Jamming Tests Frustrate Pilots, Controllers - From Russ Niles at AVweb - Read it Here
9/11/2022 Most Commercial 5G Safe From Ligado - Military Faces Challenge - "A study by the National Academies of Sciences has determined that most civilian GPS services won’t suffer significant interference from Ligado’s new 5G cellular and data service but the military might be in some trouble. The study, which was ordered[…] Read this article"
10/21/2022 GPS interference caused the FAA to reroute Texas air traffic. Experts stumped - From arstechnica - GPS interference caused the FAA to reroute Texas air traffic. Experts stumped - "The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of mysterious GPS interference that, over the past few days, has closed one runway at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and prompted some aircraft in the region to be rerouted to areas where signals were working properly." Continue Reading Here.
Notice/s:
NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE, NV 20 March – 24 March
FLIGHT ADVISORY
GPS INTERFERENCE TESTING
NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE
(NTTR) 23-10
Centered at: 364232N1162314W or the BTY VOR 091 degree radial at 18 NM.
Southern California Tactical Training Range, CA 21 March – 30 March
FLIGHT ADVISORY
GPS INTERFERENCE TESTING
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TACTICAL TRAINING RANGE
(SCTTR) 23-02 (REVISION 1)
Centered at: 325744N1183321W or the LAX VOR 171 degree radial at 59 NM
Fort, Irwin, CA 22 March – 30 April 01
FLIGHT ADVISORY
GPS INTERFERENCE TESTING
FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA
(FTIRCA) 23-05
Centered at: 352146N1163221 or the HEC VOR 339 degree radial at 34 NM
Some examples of Testing - Included herein for Educational Reference:
Comment from Richard Eastman CFI:
Appended are the two most recent GPS Testing Announcements. Now, you’d think that testing in Mountain Home, Idaho wouldn’t impact the LA Basin. But it does – at Flight Level 25 and above (only a few getting this message are likely to be up that high). But on the other hand, the Nevada Test Center testing on similar dates reaches the LA Basin at the 4000’ and above levels. While the testing dates are similar – the testing times are different. // Richard
Mountain Home Range Complex, July 07 - 13
Mountain Home Complex Testing, Mountain Home Idaho