Solar Storms And Your GPS

[N2255D]

The Coming Solar Storms And Your GPS

Space scientists say that solar storms are on the rise and do cause problems for satellite-dependent systems like GPS and ADS-B. So, if you're wondering if there's anything to worry about, the short answer is, "yes," but there are caveats. Scientists at NASA's heliophysics division and NOAA's space weather prediction center told AVweb the storms can -- and have -- temporarily shut down certain GPS capability and are likely to (read: will) do it again. While that's not likely to happen very often, the challenge of predicting or identifying those moments (which can last days) and effectively communicating the threat to end-users (pilots) is not easily met. With more pilots relying on satellite-based systems during demanding modes of flight, the stakes are high. Joe Kunches is a space scientist at NOAA who works with industry stakeholders to define and understand their space weather needs.

AVweb's Glenn Pew spoke with Kunches Friday to determine the nature of the threat, our current defenses, and what the average pilot can do about it. (Hint: Don't throw out inertial navigation, VOR, or DME just yet.)

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Hmmmm. George might make a killing selling those Loran units he's hording for when the Loran chain gets reactivated.

[GAHorn]

Hmmmm. George might make a killing selling those Loran units he's hording for when the Loran chain gets reactivated.

I have THREE in GREAT CONDITION, with antennas, only $50 each, while supplies last! (Install and operations manuals incl.)

[170C]

George's lorans sound like good convention auction items to me. What with sufficient libations and The Mouth of the South at his pinacle, who knows those things might bring in big bucks for the association Certainly should do as well as those rare C-170 coffee cups that are of extremely limited supplies --- initially anyway

[flyguy]

PPPPSSSSSTTTT The only trouble there is the trash-canning of the loran system

[GAHorn]

PPPPSSSSSTTTT The only trouble there is the trash-canning of the loran system

We are heavily-lobbying the gov't to reinstate the system. heh-heh

Be the FIRST in your hangar to be equipped for the NEW EDITION LOng RAnge Navigation service!

[170C]

flyguy wrote:
PPPPSSSSSTTTT The only trouble there is the trash-canning of the loran system

Hey GAR, that's why we have to have plenty of libations at the auction and Harley at his best

[cessna170bdriver]

I'm bringing a Narco ADF-140 and an Apollo 604 to the 170 Convention auction. The former doesn't work for unknown reasons , the latter doesn't work for known reasons. This will be my first LONG cross country without both of these radios in the panel. I sure hope I can find Florida then Michigan with only two GPS's, a VOR, DME, hand-held nav/com, and two books full of sectional charts.

(Quote from a crusty old Piedmont captain transitioning to a glass panel airplane: "Just show me a needle that points somewhere.")

[GAHorn]

I'm bringing a Narco ADF-140 and an Apollo 604 to the 170 Convention auction. The former doesn't work for unknown reasons , the latter doesn't work for known reasons. This will be my first LONG cross country without both of these radios in the panel. I sure hope I can find Florida then Michigan with only two GPS's, a VOR, DME, hand-held nav/com, and two books full of sectional charts.

(Quote from a crusty old Piedmont captain transitioning to a glass panel airplane: "Just show me a needle that points somewhere.")

I'll trade a Loran system for the ADF.

[cessna170bdriver]

I'll trade a Loran system for the ADF.

I'll trade 'em both for an ADF that works!