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Staying On Top of GPS Navigation

How does your GPS navigator handle a leg to a specific heading or to a specific altitude? Do you fly these with the confidence of Captain Picard of the Enterprise, or of Doctor Who pushing a button to see what happens? These legs are common, particularly as the first step on a missed approach: Climb runway heading to 1300, then ...

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots frequently misunderstand how their GPS navigators handle legs requiring specific headings or altitudes, particularly during critical phases like missed approaches and departures, leading to errors.
  • The behavior of GPS systems varies widely depending on their specific model, installation, and integration with other avionics (e.g., whether they receive heading or altitude inputs), causing inconsistent guidance.
  • It is crucial for pilots to develop "avionics proficiency" by thoroughly understanding the exact capabilities, limitations, and operational nuances of their aircraft's specific navigation system to effectively command automation and avoid unexpected situations.
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How does your GPS navigator handle a leg to a specific heading or to a specific altitude? Do you fly these with the confidence of Captain Picard of the Enterprise, or of Doctor Who pushing a button to see what happens?

These legs are common, particularly as the first step on a missed approach: “Climb runway heading to 1300, then …”

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