GPS testing in Utah prompts FAA flight advisory

The FAA has issued a flight advisory for potentially unreliable GPS signals in the vicinity of Wendover, Utah, between April 28 and May 13.

During testing GPS signals may be unreliable or unavailable within a 395-nautical-mile radius centered at 402602N/1132936W, or the BVL VOR’s 145.44 degree radial at 21.3 nm at Flight Level 400 and above. The signal’s reliability also could be affected below Flight Level 400, the area impacted decreasing in radius with a decrease in altitude to a 355-nm radius at Flight Level 250, 260-nm radius at 10,000 feet msl, 265-nm radius at 4,000 feet agl, and 225-nm radius at 50 feet agl.

Pilots are encouraged to report anomalies to the appropriate air route traffic control center to help determine the extent of signal degradation. Please share your reports with AOPA.

Notams will be published at least 24 hours in advance of tests, but may change with little or no notice. Pilots are encouraged to check notams frequently for changes to operations in the area. Tests will be conducted during the entirety of stated times, the FAA said.

The testing schedule is set for April 28 to 29 from 1700Z to 2000Z and 2200Z to 0000Z daily, April 30 through May 6 from 1700Z to 2000Z daily, and May 9 through 13 from 1700Z to 2000Z daily.