GPS Navigation Using the Apollo GX-55

1
(No Transcript)
2
GPS NavigationUsing the Apollo GX-55
Lt. Col. Stan KegelMinnesota Wing
April 2009
3
Motivation

• GPS is a powerful tool for search and rescue
• Allows very precise search patterns
• Makes manageable what would otherwise be very
  difficult patterns
• Expanding square at any angle
• Creeping line along a course
• Offset route searches
• Grid searches over indistinct terrain
• GPS should be our primary tool for Search and
  Rescue navigation
• GPS is of course also very handy for general
  navigation

4
Before we begin

• How does one learn to use GPS?
• This presentation provides a good foundation of
  knowledge, but it will be forgotten quickly if
  not used
• Hands-on practice is the only way to become
  proficient
• Start out with the software simulator, if
  possible
• The simulator has limitations and a few bugs, but
  it is worthwhile
• Information on how to acquire the simulator can
  be found at the end of this presentation
• Download the shorthand guide from the wing
  website and keep it with your mission kit
• Practice with the real device in flight

5
Before we begin

• After youve had some practice, consider
  reviewing the GPS user manual (or study this
  presentation again)
• When you think you have it down, try teaching
  someone else!

6
GPS Navigation Using the GX-55Course Outline

• This presentation is organized in six parts
• Fundamentals of GPS Navigation
• Introduction to using the Apollo GX-55
• Basic tasks with the GX-55
• GX-55 search patterns
• Safety issues
• Using the GX-55 simulator software

7
Part 1 Fundamentals of GPS Navigation

• How it works The basics
• Accuracy
• Describing locations

8
How it Works The Basics

• Spaced-based system (unlike Loran or VOR)
• Constellation of 24 satellites in six orbital
  planes
• 21 active satellites plus 3 operating spares
• In High orbit of about 12,000 miles
• Each circles the Earth about every 12 hours

9
How it Works The Basics

• GPS satellites transmit information
• Pseudo-random code with time information
• Satellite orbital position data
• Almanac data
• Ephemeris data
• Updated atmospheric models
• GPS receiver uses this data to figure out what
  time it is and what time the signals were sent

10
How it Works The Basics

• GPS receiver measures distance to satellites by
  determining the amount of time that the radio
  signal takes to travel from each satellite
• Each distance measurement effectively defines a
  sphere around a satellite
• Multiple satellites must be used to determine a
  position
• Given two satellites, two sphere intersect to
  determine a circle
• Given three satellites, a sphere and a circle
  intersect to determine two points
• A fourth satellite can determine a positive 3D
  position

11
Accuracy

• A complex question
• DOD has a 66 page document describing the
  performance of GPS Standard Positioning Service
  (SPS)
• The short story
• Garmin states that their GPS receivers are
  accurate to within 15 meters on average
• Typically about 6 to 12 Meters accuracy can be
  seen

12
Accuracy

• Accuracy and reliability is actually a complex
  subject. There are many factors that can impact
  system.
• Receiver errors
• Atmospheric (ionosphere) errors
• Solar activity (sun spots and solar storms)
• Location of receiver
• (some parts of the Globe get better coverage than
  others)
• Orbital errors (inaccuracies in the reported
  orbital position)
• Poor satellite geometry (satellites lined up or
  bunched up)
• Limited number of satellites in view
• Satellite malfunctions (or satellites taken out
  of service)
• Multi-path errors (radio signal reflections)
• Results vary hour by hour, day by day

13
Accuracy

• There is a substantial difference between typical
  accuracy and worst-case accuracy
• Described as a statistic x had an error of y
  meters or less
• Typical 95 horizontal error results for a
  typical day

Global average 7.8 8.3 meters
Average for worst site (on globe) 19.2-19.7 meters
Errors worse than 30 meters are possible given
the potential for various atmospheric conditions
and receiver faults and the possibility that
satellites can be taken out of service
14
Accuracy andSelective Availability

• Past feature of GPS SPS that purposefully
  degraded accuracy of position determination for
  non US-military use
• Civilian accuracy was typically about 100 meters
  under Selective Availability
• SA was discontinued May 1, 2000
• Has not been used since
• It's been replaced by selective deniability,
  which allows the US military to geographically
  designate areas in which to degrade GPS quality.

15
Comparing Accuracy with and without SA A
sample

• The plots show that SA causes 95 of the points
  to fall within a radius of 60.7 yards. Without
  SA, 95 of the points fall within a radius of 7.9
  yards.

16
Comparing Accuracy with and without SA Recap

• Before, with 100 meter typical accuracy allowed
  you to identify what stadium you were in
• Now with 6-12 meter typical accuracy, you can
  tell about which yard line you are on

17
Accuracy WAAS

• Wide-Area Augmentation System
• Designed specifically for aviation
• Commissioned by FAA in 2003
• Uses ground stations and satellites
• 25 ground stations cover the entire US and parts
  of Canada and Mexico
• Augments GPS Standard Positioning Service
• Provides better integrity and accuracy
• Typical accuracy of 3-5 meters horizontal, 3-7
  meters vertical
• Can be used for precision approaches
• WAAS is not a feature of the Apollo GX-55 used by
  CAP

18
Describing LocationsA Choice to Understand

• We describe latitude and longitude normally using
  degrees and minutes
• When dealing with fractions of minutes there is,
  however, a choice
• There are essentially two options
• One can use seconds (of which there are 60 in
  one minute)
• One can use decimal-minutes (i.e. tenths and
  hundredths of a minute)
• Many GPS units can be configured to display one
  way or the other

19
Describing LocationsCAP Standard Method

• The standard we will use in CAP is degrees and
  decimal minutes
• Example
• 45 degrees 35.4 minutes North
• 93 degrees 42.2 minutes West
• This is the standard way the Air Force provides
  coordinates to us for search and rescue
• This is also the way our GX-55 normally displays
  position information
• In CAP we will not usually use seconds unless
  working with another agency that wishes to do so.

20
Describing LocationsCommunicating with Others

• The seconds vs. decimal minutes question is a big
  source of confusion even within our own ranks
• Some people erroneously say seconds when they
  mean hundredths of a minute
• Some people say point or decimal when they
  should have said minutes and seconds
• Take nothing for granted when getting information
• Be accurate and clear when giving information
• Especially when working with other-agencies,
  triple-check all coordinates to make sure were
  all speaking the same language
• The Coast Guard Auxiliary normally uses
  Degrees-Minutes-Seconds as their standard way of
  describing positions, but they will use the word
  decimal or point to separate the three parts
  of the coordinate

21
Describing LocationsYet Another Approach to be
Aware of

• Some GPS units (including the GX-55) also offer
  the option to display position information using
  Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
• An alternative to using degrees and minutes
• Beyond the scope of this course
• We will not use this

22
Part 2 Introduction to using the Apollo GX-55

• Equipment overview
• The controls and function/page hierarchy
• Review terminology
• Tour of display pages how to read displayed
  information

23
Our Equipment Apollo GX-55

• Extensive Database
• Scrolling Map Display
• Search and Rescue Functions

24
GX-55 Controls
25
Large Small Knobs

• Moving between pages
• Large knob selects most main pages
• Small knob selects sub pages
• Different scale maps
• Sub-pages in set-up areas
• Entering Data
• Large Knob moves cursor
• Small Knob changes word or character at cursor

26
Hard Keys

• NAV Navigation display pages, flight plan setup,
  etc.
• MAP Map display pages
• NRST Pages with nearest waypoints
• INFO Database information pages
• SEL Select
• Make a cursor appear so you can change a value on
  a page
• When a question is being asked, make the cursor
  disappear, effectively responding no to the
  question
• Enter Complete some data entry action
• Also used to answer yes in response to a
  question
• D Direct-To (short-cut flight-plan from
  current location)

27
Function/Page HierarchyGetting to the screen
page you want

• Main hierarchy
• Hard key (example MAP)
• Large Knob (example Map Setup)
• Small Knob (example Route Line, Map Orient,
  Map Reference)

28
Function/Page HierarchyGetting to the screen
page you want

• Other paths
• Hard key (example NAV)
• Smart key (example FPL Flight Plan)
• Large knob (example Create new flight plan)

29
Smart Keys

• Three major uses
• Page navigation
• FPL Flight plan
• DB Database
• Short-cut to change values on page (without
  pressing SEL and turning knobs)
• Clutter/de-clutter features on maps
• Three-way toggles for waypoints show waypoint
  icon, show icon and label, and hide

30
Terminology Waypoint

• A specific named location either defined by the
  user or defined in the instruments database
• Database waypoints come in flavors
• Airport
• VOR
• NDB
• Intersection (INT)

31
TerminologyDefining Different Directions

• Desired Track / Course
• Bearing
• Track
• Heading
• Track Angle Error
• Note All directions in GPS unit are magnetic

32
Desired Track
TO Waypoint
North (magnetic)
Course
DTK
FROM Waypoint

• DTK Desired Track course direction, direction
  between two waypoints

33
Bearing
TO Waypoint
North (magnetic)
BRG
FROM Waypoint

• BRG Bearing direction to a waypoint

34
Heading
TO Waypoint
North (magnetic)
FROM Waypoint
Heading

• Heading direction the aircraft is pointed

35
Track
TO Waypoint
North (magnetic)
TRK
FROM Waypoint

• TRK Track direction the aircraft is going

36
Track Angle Error
TO Waypoint
North (magnetic)
Course
DTK
DTK
TRK
TAE
FROM Waypoint

• TAE Track Angle Error difference between track
  and desired track

37
Recap Defining Different Directions
TO Waypoint
North (magnetic)
Course
BRG
DTK
TRK
TAE
FROM Waypoint
Heading

• DTK Desired Track course direction, direction
  between two waypoints
• BRG Bearing direction to a waypoint
• TRK Track direction the aircraft is going
• Heading direction the aircraft is pointed
• TAE Track Angle Error difference between track
  and desired track

38
A Tour of Display PagesHow to Read Displayed
Information

• NAV ETE
• Split Screen Map
• Full Screen Map
• More Pages

39
Reading the NAV ETE Display
Estimated Time Remaining Value (26 minutes)
TO-Waypoint Identifier (Airport DLH, Duluth)
Estimated Time Enroute Label

• Graphic Course Deviation Indicator (CDI)
• Triangle at center is TO/FROM indicator
  (pointing up indicates To)
• CDI needle is at the end of bar graph line
  (indicates we need to go right to get back on
  course)

Distance off-track (0.17 NM left of course)
Bearing to the TO-waypoint (017 degrees)
Distance to the TO-waypoint (43.5 nautical miles)
40
Reading the NAV ETE Display
Diamond indicates additional pages of information
can be selected by turning the small knob
Relative Bearing Indicator arrow points to
approximate bearing relative to current track
It points in one of 8 directions
41
Some Diamond NAV ETE Pages(Use small knob to
move between)
42
Reading the NAV ETE Display
Differences when past TO waypoint
Estimated return time to the TO-waypoint (13
minutes) Increasing if moving away estimated
based on current ground speed
Graphic CDI center triangle points down to
indicate FROM i.e. past the TO-waypoint
43
ETE DisplayCourse Deviation Indicator
CDI Sensitivity 0.3 nm Full deflection, 0.3 nm Each dot, 0.01 nm Each tick, 0.04 nm
CDI Sensitivity 1.0 nm Full deflection, 1.0 nm Each dot, 0.05 nm Each tick, 0.14 nm
CDI Sensitivity 5.0 nm Full deflection, 5.0 nm Each dot, 0.24 nm Each tick, 0.71 nm
44
Reading the Split Screen Map Page
To-Waypoint Identifier (Airport DLH, Duluth)
Ground speed(100 Knots)
Map scale(15 NM measured from top to bottom)
Current track direction (014 degrees)
45
Reading the Split Screen Map Page
Remaining distance to the TO waypoint(114
Nautical Miles)
Bearing to the TO Waypoint from current position
(014 degrees)
Course-deviation indicator (exactly on-course or
slightly left of course)
46
Reading the Split Screen Map Page
Route-line(note map-orientation is currently
North-up)
Aircraft current position on map
47
Reading the Full Screen Map Page
Bearing to the TO Waypoint from current position
(017 degrees)
TO Waypoint Identifier (Airport DLH, Duluth)
Remaining distance to the TO waypoint(75.0
Nautical Miles)
Map scale(30 NM measured from top to bottom)
48
Reading the Full Screen Map Page
Route-line(note map-orientation is currently
North-up)
Waypoint Location
Aircraft current position on map
Waypoint Identifier
49
Map Clutter/De-clutter Smart Keys

• Smart keys on maps are used primarily for
  clutter/de-clutter control
• For each kind of waypoint, there is a three-way
  toggle
• Display icon with label
• Display icon without label
• Dont display
• Annunciators above keys indicate current state of
  each option

FBL (Faribault) Airport icon shown and labeled
APT (airport) annunciator fully lit, so airports
will be shown and labeled
50
Map Clutter/De-clutter Smart Keys

• Smart keys on maps are used primarily for
  clutter/de-clutter control
• For each kind of waypoint, there is a three-way
  toggle
• Display icon with label
• Display icon without label
• Dont display
• Annunciators above keys indicate current state of
  each option

Halfway VOR (icon only)
VOR annunciator half-lit, so VORs will be
depicted as unlabeled icons.
51
Map Clutter/De-clutter Smart Keys

• Smart keys on maps are used primarily for
  clutter/de-clutter control
• For each kind of waypoint, there is a three-way
  toggle
• Display icon with label
• Display icon without label
• Dont display
• Annunciators above keys indicate current state of
  each option

INT annunciator unlit, so intersections will not
be depicted
52
Numbered Smart Keys

• An annunciator which is a number indicates that
  there are more smart keys that can be used for
  the current screen
• Press the numbered smart key to get another set
  of smart keys

1 indicates that this is the first set of smart
keys for this screen
53
More Pages

• Lets now look at the pages that we can get to
  after pressing each of the four page-selection
  hard keys
• NAV Pages
• MAP Pages
• NRST Pages
• INFO Pages

54
NAV Key PagesSelect with Large Knob After
Pressing NAV

• ETA BRG
• Also shows distance
• RAIM Prediction
• Altitude Assist
• Parallel Track
• Useful for offset route search
• GPS Position
• Basic Lat. Long.

• Countdown Timer
• Arc Assist
• To/Next Wpt (Distance)
• To/Next Wpt (ETE)
• To/Next Wpt (ETA)
• From/To/Next Waypoint

55
MAP Key PagesSelect with Large Knob After
Pressing MAP

• Split Screen Map Map Plus Nav Info
• Full Screen Map
• Search and Rescue Map if configured under Map
  Setup
• Map Setup
• Several sub-screens can be selected using the
  small knob

56
NRST Key PagesSelect with Large Knob After
Pressing NRST

• Airport (ARPT)
• VOR
• NDB
• INT
• User WPT
• Search Around WPT
• Runway Limits
• SUA (special use airspace)

For each kind of waypoint, select which of the
20 nearest instances using the small knob
57
INFO Key PagesSelect with Large Knob After
Pressing INFO

• Identifier, Type, and Name
• Radial and distance
• Bearing and distance
• Map
• Frequencies
• Approaches
• Lat/Long
• Sunrise/Sunset
• WPT comment

58
Review

• What information can you get from this page?

59
Review Here are a Couple Other Views (taken
shortly afterwards)
60
Part 3 Basic tasks with the GX-55

• Select a waypoint and go direct to it
• View current Lat Long
• Go directly to the nearest airport
• Enter a user waypoint
• Set up SAR functions
• View a SAR Map
• Remember a Current Position
• Creating Activating a Flight Plan
• Useful Tricks
• Common Problems

61
Select a waypoint and go direct to it

• Press theDirect-To Key ( )
• Type of waypoint is flashing (i.e. has
  cursor)use small knob to select type of
  waypoint
• Use large knob to move cursor to first character
  of waypoint identifier
• Use small knob to change character
• Repeat using large knob to move cursor and small
  knob to change character and form the name of the
  destination waypoint.
• Press Enter Key

62
Select a waypoint and go direct to it

• Press theDirect-To Key ( )
• Type of waypoint is flashing (i.e. has
  cursor)use small knob to select type of
  waypoint
• Use large knob to move cursor to first character
  of waypoint identifier
• Use small knob to change character
• Repeat using large knob to move cursor and small
  knob to change character and form the name of the
  destination waypoint.
• Press Enter Key

63
Select a waypoint and go direct to it

• Press theDirect-To Key ( )
• Type of waypoint is flashing (i.e. has
  cursor)use small knob to select type of
  waypoint
• Use large knob to move cursor to first character
  of waypoint identifier
• Use small knob to change character
• Repeat using large knob to move cursor and small
  knob to change character and form the name of the
  destination waypoint.
• Press Enter Key

64
Select a waypoint and go direct to it

• Press theDirect-To Key ( )
• Type of waypoint is flashing (i.e. has
  cursor)use small knob to select type of
  waypoint
• Use large knob to move cursor to first character
  of waypoint identifier
• Use small knob to change character
• Repeat using large knob to move cursor and small
  knob to change character and form the name of the
  destination waypoint.
• Press ENTER Key

65
View Current Lat Long

• Press NAV key
• Turn large knob until GPS Position screen
  appears

66
Go Directly to the Nearest Airport

• Press the NRST key
• A page will display the closest airport
• Press the Direct-to Key ( )
• The waypoint selection screen will appear with
  a flashing cursor
• Leave all information unchanged
• Press ENTER

67
Enter a user waypoint (by Lat Long)

• Press NAV Key
• Press DB Smart Key
• Turn large knob until Create User Wpt by
  Lat/Lon screen appears
• Press ENTER
• Use large small knobs to enter a name for the
  new waypoint also use knobs to enter lat long
• Press ENTER to finish

68
Set up SAR FunctionsPart 1 Turn Map On

• Press MAP
• Turn large knob until setup (Route Line) screen
  appears
• Turn small knob until SAR MAP ON/OFF screen
  appears
• If SAR MAP is off, press the SAR Smart key to
  turn it on

69
Set up SAR FunctionsPart 2 Select Sectional
Chart

• (SAR MAP ON/OFF Screen)
• Method 1-
• Press SEL (cursor will appear as flashing item)
• turn Large Knob until Position setting flashes
• turn the Small Knob until the desired sectional
  map name (MSP, for example) appears
• Press ENTER
• Method 2-
• Press POS smart key until MSP appears

70
View a SAR Map

• Press MAP
• Turn large knob until SAR Map appears
• You will see Smart keys labeled GRD, MRK, and PAT
• Press GRD smart key and zoom scale using small
  knob to see grid lines
• Press GRD smart key to see grid number
• Press GRD2 smart key to see quarter grids

71
Remember a Current Position

• (from SAR Map Page)
• Press MRK Smart key
• Use knobs to select name
• Press ENTER

72
Creating a New Flight PlanPart 1 Create and
Name the Plan

• Press FPL (if not available,press NAV first)
• Turn Large knob until Create New Flight Plan
  Page appears
• Press SEL
• Use Large Small knobs to enter the flight
  plan name
• Press ENTER when the name is complete

73
Creating a New Flight PlanPart 2 Begin Editing
First Leg

• Turn the Small knob to start inserting waypoints
• Press SEL

74
Creating a New Flight PlanPart 3 Enter Origin

• At the INS? Prompt, press ENTER
• Use Large Small Knobs to select waypoint and
  press ENTER

75
Creating a New Flight PlanPart 4 Enter Leg
Destination

• At the INS? Prompt, press ENTER
• Use Large Small Knobs to select waypoint and
  press ENTER

76
Creating a New Flight PlanPart 5 Edit Another
Leg or End Flight Plan

• At the INS? Prompt, either
• press ENTER to begin editing another leg
• or
• Press SEL to end the Flight Plan

77
Activating a Flight Plan

• Press FPL (if not available,press NAV first)
• Turn the Large Knob until your flight plan
  appears (look for it by name)
• Press SEL
• Press ENTER

78
Other Flight Plan Actions

• Press FPL (if not available,press NAV first)
• Turn the Large Knob until your flight plan
  appears (look for it by name)
• Press SEL
• Turn the Small knob to see other actions possible
  (examples Reverse, Delete)

79
Useful Tricks

• Pressing a hard key one time, when viewing a page
  under another key, returns you to the last page
  viewed under the key pressed
• Useful for when you want to flip back-and-forth
  between a MAP page and a NAV page
• Pressing a hard key twice sends you to the
  default page for that key
• Pressing NAV two times will send you to the ETE
  NAV page
• Pressing MAP two times will send you to the
  split-screen map page

80
Common Problems

• Autonav mode displays a series of NAV pages,
  rotated in sequence this can be very annoying
  if entered inadvertently
• Turn on by pressing ENTER while viewing a NAV
  page
• Turn off by pressing any key or turning any knob
• Remember to set up correct sectional chart when
  using SAR map

81
Review What Page is This
It is the SAR Map Page
82
Review

• How does one get from the NAV ETE page to the
  split-screen map page?
• Two Ways
• Press MAP and turn the large knob until the
  split-screen map page appears
• Or
• Press MAP twice

83
Review

• What information can you get from this page?

84
Part 4 GX-55 Search patterns

• Describing the patterns
• Parallel Line (Grid)
• Creeping Line
• Expanding Square
• Route and offset route
• Programming patterns into the GPS
• Flying to the pattern entry

85
Parallel Line Search Patterna.k.a. Grid Search
(US Grid)

• US Grids are areas 15 minute to a side,
  serially numbered for each sectional chart (MSP
  means Twin Cities sectional)
• 7.5 minute quarter grids are named A, B, C, and D
  in reading order, left to right, top to bottom

46? 00 N
B
A
D
C
45? 45
MSP 413 A
45? 30 N
93? 45
94? 00 W
93? 30 W
86
Parallel Line Search Patterna.k.a. Grid Search
(US Grid)

• The GPS unit labels the four corners (and also
  four search pattern entry points) 1, 2, 3, and 4
  clockwise starting in northwest.

1
2
MSP 413 A
4
3
87
The Other Grid System BASIC Grids

• BASIC Grids are areas 1 degree to a side
• The first two digits are the latitude of the SE
  corner
• The remaining digits are the longitude of the SE
  corner
• A slash or dash is often used to separate the
  latitude digits and longitude digits
• 30 minute quarter grids or quadrants are named
  A, B, C, and D in reading order, left to right,
  top to bottom
• 15 minute sixteenth grids or sub-quadrants are
  named within each quarter grid A, B, C, and D.
  The full name of the sixteenth grid with a SE
  corner at 46? N 93? W would be 4693DD.

47? 00 N
46/93AB
46/93AA
46/93AC
46/93AD
46? 30
46? 00 N
93? 30
93? 00 W
94? 00 W
88
Parallel Line Search Patterna.k.a. Grid Search
(BASIC Grid)

• The GPS unit labels the four corners (and also
  four search pattern entry points) 1, 2, 3, and 4
  clockwise starting in northwest.

1
2
46/93AA
4
3
89
Comparing the two grid systems

• Note that a BASIC sixteenth grid (or
  sub-quadrant) is the same size as a whole US Grid

90
Describing a Parallel Line Pattern

• Grid identifier and starting waypoint (i.e.
  corner of quarter-grid)
• Track spacing
• Direction of tracks either E/W or N/S
• Note The search area for a parallel line
  pattern in the GX55 is always a quarter-grid when
  using US Grids. (It is either a quarter-grid or
  sixteenth-grid when using BASIC Grids.)

91
Parallel Line Pattern Example

• Quarter Grid MSP 413A1
• Northwest corner of grid MSP 413A
• Track spacing 1 NM
• Tracks running east to west

MSP 413 A
Track spacing
92
Creeping Line Search Pattern

• Shaped much like a parallel line pattern, but
  with legs aligned perpendicular to a route
  (rather than by ordinal directions)
• Descriptive parts
• Starting point (any waypoint)
• Direction
• Starting left or right side
• Track spacing
• Leg length
• Number of legs

Direction
Track spacing
Leg length
Starting Waypoint
Starting on left side
93
Expanding Square

• Descriptive parts
• Starting waypoint (at center of pattern)
• Initial direction
• Track spacing
• Number of legs

3s
s
s
2s
s
2s
3s
Initial Direction
94
Offset Track Line Searcha.k.a. Route Search

• For a returning route search, 2 passes are made,
  each ½ track spacing offset from base course
• A non-returning route search will have a leg on
  the base course

TO Waypoint
Base Course
FROM Waypoint
95
Offset Track Line Searcha.k.a. Route Search

• For the purpose of using the GPS, we will
  describe only one leg at a time
• A route leg will either be
• On the course line (in which case a simple flight
  plan will suffice)
• Offset from the course line
• Described as a distance offset and a direction
  offset (either right or left of course)

96
Programming Patterns into GPS

• Track-line/route searches accomplished using
  Flight plans and the Parallel Track setup page
  under NAV.
• Programming for parallel line, creeping line, and
  expanding square searches is begun by pressing
  the PAT smart key while viewing the SAR map page.

97
Programming the Parallel Line(i.e. Grid) Search
Pattern

• Prerequisite The correct grid type (US Grid)
  and Sectional must be configured under map setup.

Press MAP to view map pages Turn large knob to
view SAR map page Press the PAT smart key If
needed, turn the small knob to view the Parallel
Line Search Page Press ENTER to begin
98
Programming the Parallel Line(i.e. Grid) Search
Pattern
Press SEL to make cursor appear so that values
can be edited Enter grid corner name, spacing,
and track direction use large knob to move
cursor and small knob to change values Press
ENTER to accept values Press ENTER again to
activate the search pattern Press PAT to cancel
search pattern
99
Programming the Creeping Line Search Pattern

• Remember that direction entered is MAGNETIC (i.e.
  based on the magnetic variation information that
  the GPS unit has for the area)
• Note that GPS doesnt provide means to enter a
  stopping condition (i.e. number of legs) it just
  keeps on going
• You will need to choose a way to identify the end
  of the search pattern perhaps by watching
  latitude and longitude

100
Programming the Creeping LineSearch Pattern
Press MAP to view map pages Turn large knob to
view SAR map page Press the PAT smart key Turn
the small knob to view the Creeping Line Search
Page Press ENTER to begin
101
Programming the Creeping LineSearch Pattern
Press SEL to make cursor appear so that values
can be edited. You will see the cursor flash
Ins? it is asking whether you wish to insert
a waypoint as the starting position for the
search. Press ENTER to indicate yes. Enter
waypoint information use large knob to move
cursor and small knob to change values Press
ENTER to accept waypoint
102
Programming the Creeping LineSearch Pattern
You will now be back at the creeping line value
page with the starting waypoint selected enter
the spacing and direction for the search use
the large knob to move the cursor and the small
knob to change values Press ENTER to accept
values A diamond appears on the page indicating
that there is additional information that can be
reached by turning the small knob. (While we had
a cursor flashing we could not get to that other
page because the small knob has a different job
when we have a cursor.)
103
Programming the Creeping LineSearch Pattern
Turn the small knob to see the second page of
creeping line pattern values Press SEL to make a
cursor appear so that values can be edited Enter
leg length and starting direction (left or right)
use large knob to move cursor and small knob to
change values Press ENTER to accept values Press
ENTER again to activate the search
pattern Press PAT to cancel search pattern
104
Setting up for the Other Grid System BASIC
Grids

• First, go to the SAR map set-up page, and press
  the GRD smart key to change the grid type to
  BASIC.
• Also, make sure the Position field is set to NW
  (as in North latitude, West longitude). Press
  the POS smart key to change this value.

105
Setting up for the Other Grid System BASIC
Grids

• Next, while still viewing a map set-up page, turn
  the small knob to get the SAR Position Page.
• Press the SEL button to get a cursor so values
  can be changed.
• Use the large knob to move the cursor and the
  small knob to change values. Change the Latitude
  and Longitude to represent the correct 10 degree
  by 10 degree area (i.e. less than and within 10
  degrees of the area to be searched).
• Press Enter to accept the new values.

Note This page is only reachable when the
grid type is set to BASIC.
106
Programming the Parallel Line Search Pattern for
the Other Grid System

• Prerequisite The intended grid type (BASIC
  Grid), hemispheres (NW), and SAR Position (SE
  corner of the 10 degree by 10 degree area) must
  be configured under map setup.

Press MAP to view map pages Turn large knob to
view SAR map page Press the PAT smart key If
needed, turn the small knob to view the Parallel
Line Search Page Press ENTER to begin
107
Programming the Parallel Line Search Pattern for
the Other Grid System
Press SEL to make cursor appear so that values
can be edited Enter grid corner name, spacing,
and track direction use large knob to move
cursor and small knob to change values Press
ENTER to accept values Press ENTER again to
activate the search pattern Press PAT to cancel
search pattern
The grid number entered here is the last digit
of the latitude followed by the last digit of the
longitude of the SE corner. For example, to
specify grid 46/93AA, with entry at the NE corner
(i.e. corner 2), first set the SAR Position in
Map Setup to Lat. 40, Lon. 90, then on this page
enter grid 63AA2 as shown above. Note that,
in the case of BASIC grids, either a quarter grid
(30 x 30), with one letter, or a sixteenth grid
(15 x 15), with two letters, can be specified.
108
Flying to Pattern Entry

• Problem The GPS unit sets up search patterns as
  temporary flight plans it recognizes if you have
  already passed a waypoint and immediately
  advances to the next one
• This means that if you program the pattern while
  at the wrong end of the pattern, it will jump
  ahead to the nearest waypoint to you and you
  will not be guided to a correct entry into the
  pattern, and some legs will be skipped.

109
Flying to Pattern Entry

• Solution Make sure the starting waypoint is the
  closest waypoint to you when to finish entering
  the search pattern program into the GPS
• For parallel line (grid) searches, be sure to
  program the GPS while outside the entry-corner of
  the grid

110
Flying to Pattern Entry
Enter program for search pattern here Starting
waypoint is closest
Do not program search pattern here several legs
will get skipped
111
Flying to Pattern Entry

• For creeping line searches, program the GPS
  outside the search area, on the centerline, just
  outside the starting waypoint

112
Flying to Pattern Entry
Direction
Do not program search pattern here several legs
will get skipped
Starting Waypoint
Enter program for search pattern here Starting
waypoint is closest
113
Flying to Pattern Entry

• For expanding square searches, begin programming
  the GPS near the starting waypoint delay
  finishing the programming until arriving at the
  starting waypoint

114
Some Tasks We Havent CoveredThat You Should
Know for SAR/HS/DR

• Entering User Waypoints into the Database Using
  US Grid identifiers
• Programming and using parallel track offsets
• Consult the GX-55 shorthand guide for further
  information

115
Part 5 Safety Issues

• User-interface tunnel vision
• Over-reliance on GPS can be a trap
• IFR usage issues
• Other concerns

116
User-Interface Tunnel Vision

• The GPS user interfaces are complex and draw your
  attention into the box and away from the business
  of flying the airplane
• Some operations involve several steps and quite a
  bit of thinking even if you are an expert using
  the device
• Maintaining situational awareness is
  extra-challenging
• Division of attention is critical
• Traffic, terrain, and obstructions
• Altitude and heading
• Especially at search-altitude
• Another pilot or a well-trained crew member can
  be a big help!

117
User-Interface Tunnel Vision

• Remember your priorities
• Aviate
• Navigate
• Communicate
• Operating the GPS is secondary to flying the
  airplane
• Note The airplane flies because of Bernoulli,
  not Marconi!

118
Over-reliance Trap

• Dont be one transistor away from being lost
• Use in conjunction with current charts and
  maintain navigational situation awareness
• Safe altitude (terrain and obstructions)
• Restricted and Prohibited Airspace and TFRs
• Class B, C, and D airspace
• Wildlife management areas
• Airports (and CTAF frequencies)
• MOAs and MTRs

119
IFR Usage Issues

• Not all GPS units are approved for IFR
• Must be IFR approved equipment
• Must be permanent IFR-approved installation
• Some GPS units are approved for IFR en route only
  
• But they cannot be used as the sole means of
  navigation
• All Minnesota Wing aircraft GX-55 GPS units are
  placarded VFR Only
• Should maintain current database subscription ()
• Dont underestimate the need for training
• IFR usage is complex and outside the scope of
  this course
• Each GPS device has its own unique user interface
• Some sources suggest at least 40 hours of GPS
  training before using GPS approaches under IFR

120
Other Concerns

• Errors easy when entering waypoint data
• Airport and VOR waypoints often have same
  identifier even when not co-located (example
  AXN)
• Waypoints and stations that are near each other
  may not be exactly co-located(example MSP)

121
Other concerns

• GPS can be subject to accidental and intentional
  interference
• Easily jammed using strategically placed
  low-power transmitters
• WAAS is also at risk
• Selective Availability (SA) or SCATANA could be
  instituted during a national emergency (but this
  is unlikely)
• Current plan calls for possible use of Selective
  Denial where GPS is degraded or denied to
  specific geographic areas

122
Part 6 Using the GX-55 Simulator

• Tips for getting started
• Bugs and limitations
• How to find the simulator and more information

123
The GX-55 SimulatorTips for Getting Started

• The first time you run the simulator, you may be
  surprised at your initial location, off the coast
  of Africa at 0 degrees latitude, 0 degrees
  longitude!
• To put yourself someplace more familiar, enter
  any flight plan and you will be whisked away (at
  warp speed) to the first waypoint of your flight
  plan

124
The GX-55 SimulatorTips for Getting Started

• Before turning on the simulator, dont forget
  to enable SAR using the applications Options
  menu
• This is analogous to the avionics shop enabling
  the SAR features on the real device

125
The GX-55 SimulatorTips for Getting Started

• Turn-on the simulator by clicking the on-off
  button pictured in the simulator window
• To press GPS buttons, click on them with your
  mouse
• To turn GPS knobs, point at the knob with your
  mouse, and then right-click to turn the knob
  clockwise and left-click to turn
  counter-clockwise.
• Aim carefully the large knob and the small knob
  are very close to each other

126
The GX-55 SimulatorBugs and Limitations

• It is not possible to practice following a course
  
• The simulator never allows you to go off-course
  and observe a CDI deflection
• Enter any flight plan or search pattern and it
  will send you immediately to the first waypoint
• The simulator will then follow the flight plan
  perfectly
• There is no way to practice arrival into a search
  pattern

127
The GX-55 SimulatorBugs and Limitations

• Unlike the real device, the simulator is doesnt
  care where you are when you program a search
  pattern
• The real device, when performing a multi-leg
  flight plan or search pattern, gives you
  turning-arc lines
• The simulator doesnt, but instead gives
  instantaneous warp speed pivots at each
  waypoint
• The implementation of the creeping line search is
  completely wrong in the simulator
• The user interface isnt even the same as in the
  real device

128
How to Find the Simulator and More Information

• GX-55 documentation and simulator
• http//www.garmin.com/products/gx55/
• http//www8.garmin.com/include/gxsimulator/Simulat
  orPopupGX.html
• Other resources
• The Minnesota Wing CAP GX-55 shorthand guide
• http//www.mncap.org/es/reference_aircrew.cfm
• General information about GPS
• http//www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/
• GPS Safety information
• http//www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa01.pdf
• Detailed information
• http//www.navcen.uscg.gov/gps/geninfo/