| GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a system that | | | | One popular option is the Garmin aviation GPS. This |
| helps an individual determine where he is located as | | | | GPS system is designed specifically for the use in |
| well as where other things are located. GPS has | | | | aircraft. Not all GPS systems will work in an aircraft |
| become incredibly popular over the years with even | | | | like they would in a car, so buying a specialized |
| more mobile devices available. However, GPS in | | | | aircraft GPS is important. An aviation headset is still |
| aviation has been around longer. As long ago as 1978 | | | | important even with the use of the GPS because |
| GPS was being experimented with and a satellite was | | | | you will need to communicate with the tower not to |
| sent into space to test the technology. That has | | | | mention you will need to protect your hearing. |
| been almost 30 years ago and today GPS is in many | | | | Of course, GPS has been around since the '70s, but it |
| people's cars! Nevertheless, aviation was one of the | | | | has not been fully operational in aircrafts that long. It |
| first industries to become involved with GPS because | | | | was not until the mid 1990s that GPS became fully |
| location and speed are very important in the field of | | | | functional with 24 satellites and aviation accepted the |
| aviation. | | | | new technology and put it to work. Since the mid |
| The United States Department of Defense handles | | | | 1990s the GPS system has become incredibly |
| GPS, but allows the public to use it for free. The GPS | | | | important for pilots and all airplanes are now outfitted |
| in an airplane basically has a map of the route from | | | | with this device. It helps pilots stay on course and if |
| the original location to the destination. Information is | | | | something happens the system lets them know how |
| programmed into the GPS and it helps for autopilot | | | | to get back on the right path. GPS isn't just |
| and things of that nature. It also tells the pilot where | | | | important for pilots, but also for every day drivers. |
| they are headed, how far away they are from the | | | | And, although GPS has been around for quite some |
| destination, as well as the height of the plane. GPS is | | | | time it is just gaining popularity and understanding |
| invaluable to pilots and it is very helpful. | | | | with the general public. |