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Global Navigation Satellite System

A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a worldwide satellite-based radio navigation system that provides highly accurate position fixing, track guidance, and situational awareness. For IFR and advanced VFR use, the receiver must continuously monitor system integrity through Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM).

Key Points

  • •Uses pseudo-ranging from a constellation of satellites to determine a three-dimensional position.
  • •Subject to errors such as ephemeris, clock discrepancy, and multipath interference.
  • •Approved aviation units require RAIM to ensure signal reliability.

Exam Relevance

Principles of operation, system errors, and integrity monitoring of satellite navigation are major components of modern navigation syllabuses.

Related Terms

receiver autonomous integrity monitoringnavigation system errorwaypoint

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Global Navigation Satellite System | The Pilot Exam