ABSTRACT
Global positioning system (GPS) navigation is revolutionising many domains of aviation practice. GPS has been rapidly adopted for the general aviation (GA) use ahead of regulatory provisions and training requirements due to the pace of commercial technological advancement, availability, and affordability. A survey of GA pilots using GPS in New Zealand was carried out as an exploratory study to identify human factor problems with GPS design and operation that may have an impact upon flight safety. Cross-checking GPS unit operation with other navigation information as part of a pilot’s situational awareness mental activity was of interest. The outcomes with respect to pilot behaviour and attitude are linked to the issue of training in the knowledgeable and safe use of GPS. Users of handheld and portable GPS units do experience power loss problems with batteries and ought to test the integrity of power supply via aircraft outputs such as the cigarette lighter.
