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A DME/DME RNAV Future?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Heavy aircraft achieve resilience against GPS outages through sophisticated Flight Management Systems (FMS) that integrate and manage data from multiple navigation sensors like GPS, Inertial Reference Systems (IRS), DME, and VOR.
  • Unlike general aviation which often relies solely on GPS, this multi-sensor FMS capability in heavy aircraft explains why the FAA's Minimum Operating Network (MON) is primarily focused on providing navigation backup for general aviation.
  • The article explores theoretical future possibilities for general aviation, including more affordable multi-sensor FMS or advanced multi-frequency, multi-constellation satellite receivers to enhance GPS resilience.
  • Despite potential future technological advancements, the FAA's MON is presented as a crucial and practical solution for current general aviation equipment, bridging the gap until more robust and certified navigation systems become widely available.
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The FAA’s Minimum Operating Network (MON) focuses on serving general aviation. Why? How will the airlines and heavy corporate birds survive a significant GPS outage, and why can’t we have that same resiliency?

To answer that question, we need to start by exploring how the “airlines and heavy corporate birds” navigate. But, before we go any further, note that this is a theoretical discussion and tech exploration; we’re not aware of any particular plans to move in this direction, or of any plans to exclude the possibilities explored here. We’re merely exploring how things could work.

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