U.S. Navy to conduct GPS interference tests off Savannah
CSG4 19-03 GPS interference testing. (Image: FAA)
A U.S. Navy exercise in the southeastern United States will involve GPS interference testing that could make aircraft navigation unreliable or unavailable on Aug. 30 and Sept. 5.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued an advisory about the testing, which will be centered in the Atlantic off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, on the SAV VOR 139-degree radial at 84 nautical miles.
It could affect GPS reliability — including WAAS, GBAS and ADS-B — centered at 311230N 0795830W (SAV139084):
- within a 352-nautical-mile radius at Flight Level 400
- within 307 nautical miles at Flight Level 250
- within 242 nautical miles at 10,000 feet
- within 197 nautical miles at 4,000 feet above ground level
- within a 127-nautical-mile radius at 50 feet above ground level.
The tests are scheduled for 1800 Zulu to 2200 Zulu on Aug. 30, and 1600 Zulu to 2000 Zulu on Sept. 5.
The FAA advisory states that GPS interference notices to airmen may change with little or no notice, and encourages pilots to check regularly for updates. NOTAMs will be published at least 24 hours in advance of any GPS tests.
About the Author: Tracy Cozzens
Senior Editor Tracy Cozzens joined GPS World magazine in 2006. She also is editor of GPS World’s newsletters and the sister website Geospatial Solutions. She has worked in government, for non-profits, and in corporate communications, editing a variety of publications for audiences ranging from federal government contractors to teachers.
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Given the location of Hurricane Dorian on that date, this should have been postponed.