GA003 – August 2010 Safety Briefing

1. GA003 – August 2010 Safety Briefing AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Advisor - Technology #1 “GPS from the Ground Up”

2. “GPS has revolutionized the way we fly, but using it safely takes preparation and prudence.”

3. Overview We will not discuss GPS technology GPS technology is like computers They used to be “expensive and exotic” They're fairly ubiquitous now We will discuss the fundamentals, setup, operating and arrival recommendations

4. Fundamentals GPS receivers get info from satellites They triangulate their position based on signals from multiple satellites They calculate position (lat/long), altitude, speed and direction

5. Not so Fundamental No standards for “knobology” Different features and added functions Can be integrated into primary displays Some are very complex

6. Basic Do's Do study and learn the system – you must be proficient if you use a GPS for IFR Study the manual Practice with a simulator Practice with a CFII VFR pilots won't need all skills, but should know basic operations

7. Know How To... Load and activate a flight plan Add, delete and edit waypoints Find airport/navaid info Suspend auto-sequencing Set up and fly holding pattern Load and activate an approach Change initial approach fix Initiate missed approach

8. Planning and Execution IFR – Use “direct to” cautiously Note airspace limitations File to initial approach fix vs. airport Specify at least one waypoint in each ARTCC IFR – Make sure database is current VFR – While DB doesn't need to be current, be careful of changes to airspace and obstructions All – Don't forget backup paper charts if using EFB functions IFR - Remember handheld units are not certified All - Check NOTAMS for any GPS signal issues

9. Getting Ready Program the GPS before taxi, preferably before engine start Avoid programming while the aircraft is moving on the ground Verify waypoints are accurate -airports and navaids sometimes use the same code and may not be co-located

10. On the Way Know how to make changes Ask ATC for initial heading to give you time to make changes Be prepared to fall back to other equipment – tune VORs Consider using auto-pilot, if available, to lighten work load VFR – Cross check GPS with charts

11. Arriving For non-RNAV approaches, be sure to use proper primary instruments – GPS is for SA and backup Understand how your GPS switches to approach mode – be ready for confusing scale changes Understand WAAS and non-WAAS transition differences

12. Summary Great tool for SA Can lighten the workload if properly trained Can increase the workload if not Fly the airplane first Review tips in the back of the Safety Advisor - http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa01.pdf