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Inside FAA's GPS-Based Air Traffic Control
longacre writes "With the growing number of planes in the air setting its archaic radar-based air traffic control on a course toward 'total system collapse,' the FAA has quietly begun testing a new GPS-based system on Alaska Airlines 737s. While radar can take over half a minute to determine a plane's location, GPS technology known as ADS-B broadcasts an aircraft's position to controllers and nearby pilots essentially in real time. If all goes as planned, travelers will see fewer delays as planes will be able to fly closer together and in reduced visibility conditions, and airlines will achieve significant fuel savings by flying more direct routes. The feds plan a gradual rollout over the next two decades that may cost up to $40 billion." There's still some contention about where the funding will come from.
I can velcro a Garmin to the dash of every plane in the country, hook it up to a cellphone, and get the same data. And I'll only charge $39 billion.
Yeah, what is the worst thing that could happen? Something like what happened to the Hessian brigade on December 26th, 1776?
...the GPS, however, won't be in the bag when you get it back.
Actually, the engine was fine. It just no longer had a connection to the prop. Same result.
Oh, you can test the auto gear extension system in a Piper Arrow by leaving the cockpit vent window open on takeoff. Added another item to the pre-takeoff checklist after that one.
Without the 2nd Amendment, the others are just suggestions.