GPS is becoming the most popular way to navigate an aircraft in Australia. By now the majority of navigation training aircraft at serious schools are fitted with GPS aids.

Naturally, GPS doesn't replace the requirement to be able to navigate with visual reference to the ground but it is a very useful addition to a pilot's portfolio of skills.

In fact it is planned to retire the NDB system in Australia by 2012 and perhaps even to downgrade the VOR system. So we will want something to replace those important navigation aids.

Under the CAOs a Private Pilot may use GPS as a primary means of enroute navigation. However, you can only use the procedures and aids you are endorsed for which means that you must have completed a program of training.

Pacific Flight Training offers this training as a one day course for a cost of $197.  
The CASA Syllabus is reproduced below. If you want to know more about CASA's approach you can also download their pdf here.

If you would like more information on our GPS Training Course, or want to register your interest, please fill out this form, email us at  or ring us on (61-2) 9791 0055 and have a chat.

Name: Phone: Email: I want more information

 

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CASA SYLLABUS

CAO 40.2.1 APPENDIX IV
Syllabus of training for the use of GNSS under the I.F.R.

SECTION 1
Primary means enroute navigation

GPS system components and principle of operation
Demonstrate an understanding of the GPS system and its principles of operation:

• GPS system components, space, control and user
• Aircraft equipment requirements
• GPS satellite signal and pseudo random code
• Principle of position fixing
• Method of minimising receiver clock error
• Minimum satellites required for navigation functions
• Masking function
• Performance limitations of various equipment types
• GNSS use of WGS84 coordinate system

Navigation system performance requirements
Define the following terms in relation to a navigational system and recall to what extent the GPS system meets the associated requirements:
• Accuracy
• Integrity:
  » Means of providing GNSS integrity
  » RAIM, procedural, systems integration
• Availability
• Continuity of service

Authorisation and documentation
• Recall the requirements applicable to pilots and equipment for GPS operations
• Pilot training requirements
• Log book certification
• Aircraft equipment requirements
• GNSS Notams

GPS errors and limitations
Recall the cause and magnitude of typical GPS errors:
• Ephemeris
• Clock
• Receiver
• Atmospheric/ionospheric
• Multipath
• SA
• Typical total error associated with C/A code
• Effect of PDOP/GDOP on position accuracy
• Susceptibility to interference
• Comparison of vertical and horizontal errors
• Tracking accuracy and collision avoidance

Human factors and GNSS
Be aware of the human factors limitations associated with the use of GNSS equipment. Apply GNSS operating procedures which provide safeguards against navigational errors and loss of situational awareness because of the following:
• Mode errors
• Data entry errors
• Data validation and checking including independent cross checking procedures
• Automation induced complacency
• Non-standardisation of the GNSS – pilot interface
• Human information processing and situational awareness

GNSS equipment-specific navigation procedures
Recall and apply knowledge of appropriate GNSS operating procedures to typical navigational tasks using a specific type of aircraft equipment, including:
• Select appropriate operational modes
• Recall categories of information contained in the navigational database
• Predict RAIM availability
• Enter and check user defined waypoints
• Enter/retrieve and check flight plan data
• Interpret typical GNSS navigational displays LAT./Long, distance and bearing to waypoint, CDI
• Intercept and maintain GNSS defined tracks
• Determine TMG, GS, ETA, time and distance to WPT, WV in flight
• Indications of waypoint passage
• Use of direct to function
• Use of nearest airport function
• Use of GNSS in GPS and DME/GPS arrival procedures

GNSS equipment checks
For the specific type of aircraft equipment, carry out the following GNSS operational and serviceability checks at appropriate times:
• TSO status
• Satellites acquired
• RAIM status
• PDOP/GDOP status
• IFR Database currency
• Receiver serviceability
• CDI sensitivity
• Position indication

GNSS warnings and messages
For the specific type of aircraft equipment recognise and take appropriate action for GNSS warnings and messages, including the following:
• Loss of RAIM
• 2D navigation
• In Dead Reckoning mode
• Database out-of-date
• Database missing
• GNSS fail
• Barometric input fail
• Power/battery fail
• Parallel offset on
• Satellite fail

CitationJet at Bankstown Airport