Nov 12 2009

Stupid Pilot Tricks, Part II

Category: Humor | Training ThoughtsMJG @ 07:53

imageI ran across this while doing some searching on the 'Net and thought, what fun you could have with your friends during a flight navigating via GPS.

Just kidding, I'm sure the use of such a device in flight would be contrary to the FAA's rules on electronics in flight. But perhaps not... For Part 91 operations (non-revenue general aviation flights) operating under VFR flight rules, the use of any portable electronic device  that the operator (PIC) has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.

I wonder, does flight instruction fall under Part 91? 'cause a CFI is the PIC (at least when flying with student pilots). Wonder if they could use this to "simulate" loss of GPS signal much like when they fail any other instrument on a student? Any of your CFIs care to take a stab at this? Seems like this would be a more realistic scenario than turning down the display or pulling a circuit breaker.

Ostensibly, these offer you the following benefits (according to the manufacturer, their wording, not ours):

    1. To prevent GPS satellite positioning tracking
    2. Black GPS satellite signal, protect your whereabouts privacy and confidential information
    3. Block all GPS satellite signal
    4. Not affect mobile phones and other electronic equipments working
    5. Samll size, high power, light weight, great coverage, easy to carry

Of course, I'm not an aviation attorney so don't take anything I say as advise when operating your aircraft!

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Comments

1.
Julien Julien Australia says:

Let's just hope no-one has the dumb idea of trying this gadget out on a commercial flight... This would be downright criminal.

2.
mjg mjg United States says:

I hear you there! Of course from what I've seen from poking my nose into the cockpit while boarding, I'd guess a great number of them wouldn't be affected as they are still relying on INS and VORs

3.
Ron Ron United States says:

Great topic!

I'm not sure if it would be legal to use on an instructional flight or not.  Those flights are still governed by the operating rules of 14 CFR Part 91, even if it's "Part 61" or "Part 141" instruction.

As the glass gets more sophisticated, CFIs are tasked with finding newer and more realistic ways to simulate system component failures.  We can't always do a good job of it.  I simulate GPS "failure" by simply pulling a CB where possible, or simply telling the student they've received an annunciation of XXX (typically something like "RAIM not available -- approach not active").

But what I'd really like to see is whether they'd notice the MSG alert at all.  Often they don't.  And I wish I could simulate GPS inaccuracy, to see if they'd notice.  Most probably wouldn't because they don't keep that moving map in their head going during a flight.  When people "trust but verify", they are much more likely to catch things like that.

I'd never use any device like this one in actual conditions, but in VMC it might be useful.  Part of the problem with all this glass panel stuff is that it's more complex, which means there are myriad ways -- many of which CFIs can't even predict -- for the system to develop a problem.

I've seen these:

- water seepage damage a GPS screen
- a bad data card render a 430 inop
- part of an Entegra MFD crash due to a firmware bug
- several database update issues which made themselves known in flight
- a faulty CB disable a PFD
- battery/alternator issues result in unstable voltage and weird reboots
- a stuck key on a G1000 which had the effect of always being pressed

and lots of others.  Hard to simulate all those.  The best way to do it is probably a good simulator sitting in a room somewhere. Smile

4.
Aviatrix Aviatrix Canada says:

Ooh yes!  As a flight instructor, I would SO love to unleash that on a student who thought he didn't have to learn traditional nav because he has GPS.

5.
mjg mjg United States says:

Thanks for stopping by and leaving and chiming in on this topic. I've been enjoying your posts from the great white north for some time now. Welcome!

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