GPS & Software

GPS

GPS provides a useful aid to navigation. However, in terms of avoiding restricted airspace, the GPS database must be kept up to date. In order to maintain the validity of such databases, owners must usually subscribe to a database update service from the manufacturer.

Example:

After a recent update, the pilot of a single engined aircraft could not see the external boundary of his local controlled airspace on the map display. He was sure that such information had been available to him before he updated his software, but was now missing. Fortunately, being aware of the presence of the Control Area, he navigated around it using other means.

The CAA remind us that GPS should not be used as a primary means of navigation, but only to supplement traditional navigation aids and techniques. GPS users are advised to read Safety Sense Leaflet 25, Use of GPS, (available on the CAA web site at http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG_GAD_SSL25.PDF. It might also be appropriate to point out that the CAA does not "approve" GPS databases, and that commercial organisations do not include everything of which a pilot needs to be aware.

The use of GPS software, even with an up to date database subscription, does not remove the need to check NOTAMs before every flight. Warnings and restrictions in NOTAMs are in addition to the restricted airspace information held in GPS databases.

NOTAM Display

There are a number of software packages available that display NOTAM information in a graphical, more readily understandable format.

However, since August 2002, the AIS has stopped providing NOTAM data with the 'Q Line' needed by these software packages to unambiguously decode the size and shape of an affected area. At present, Notamplot does not work with the new, restricted information available from AIS. Notampro uses the pre-prepared briefings from the NATS site, but the limitation mentioned should be borne in mind.

A variety of software to display NOTAMS are now available. For details, please follow this link.

Parachute Drop Zones

The following file has been obtained from the BPA technical department. It is a definitive list (December 2003) of parachute drop zones in GPS uploadable format. This downloadable file of parachute drop zones in Garmin format has been supplied by the BPA.  The file is set up as a list of proximity waypoints, and as such the radii are set to allow 0.5 nautical mile buffer to the actual zone. The BGA takes no responsibility for its contents and can offer no assistance in its use. For a plain text version, click here.