Call to action: Help save GPS

GPS has revolutionized how pilots navigate, improving situational awareness and bringing instrument approaches to general aviation airports that had none before. The receivers are commonplace in GA aircraft now, either mounted in the panel, integrated in multifunction displays, or carried on board as a handheld.

But LightSquared’s proposed broadband communications network could threaten all of that because it uses signals in the spectrum next to GPS that are more powerful. That’s why AOPA and the Coalition to Save our GPS are calling on pilots to share their concerns about the proposal’s interference with GPS directly with the Federal Communications Commission. Comments should be submitted by July 31.

The coalition has created a guide to help pilots draft their responses, emphasizing the importance GPS plays in their personal or business life and the impact unavailable or unreliable GPS signals would have on them. The guide also walks pilots through the process to submit comments.

“AOPA will be submitting comments on the proposal, but we need all of our members to weigh in as well,” said Heidi Williams, AOPA senior director of airspace and modernization. “There is strength in numbers. Your voice makes a difference.”