N118NW

Ain't that the truth.

Didn't I read somewhere recently that the FAA wants to start switching over to more of a GPS-based ATC system instead of the current radar system?

That would be able to provide transoceanic coverage.

EXTW

I love the way Brazil is already trying to distance themselves.


EXTW

CTPILOT

My thoughts and prayers with the flight crew and passengers and their families. And I just told some family friends who are scared out of their minds of flying that turbulence does not make a plane go down

olympic

Packer Backer

Not exactly. The GPS based ATC system would simply allow routes that are not based on ground based fixes. Overseas carriers have been doing this for years based on IRS or INS or GPS signals to navigate by. But there is no such thing as a GPS based radar. So some form of position reporting, either CPDLC or HF, will still be required.

mynameisjim

The GPS could be a two way system, constantly reporting it's position to a central computer. It can also listen to all of the other position reports from nearby aircraft. ADS-B

Talon1011

To my knowledge Turbulence (CAT) has often caused damage but has never caused a hull loss. Thunderstorms, on the other hand, have caused a great many.

Pharo351

To quote the bionic man, "We have the technology" just not the will power or top secret clearence. And you don't need to build an island to get radar coverage over the atlantic. Think along the lines of skynet.

olympic

Did CNN just say this ???

CNN: "They do quite well if ditched by an experienced pilot as we've seen"

SebastianDesoto

FAQ: ADS-B. Its not the problem solver, but is very much the step in the right direction. Requires a lot of money to implement so expect airline management to stall implementation and resist. But it won't cost so much to consider it "cost prohibitive" unless that company is on thin ice anyway.

It also a corner stone to FAA NextGen program.

About ADS-B

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...nce_broadcast/

I have gotten to fly with this equipment, its great.

Stop thinking "RADAR Coverage" start thinking GPS coverage.