GPS malfunction

What this relates to

Flight operations use GPS signals for navigation and positioning. The GPS receives signals from a satellite network in orbit around the Earth, enabling aircraft to determine their precise geographical position, height and speed. Frequency transmitters are used on the ground to block or jam these signals in the air for military purposes. GPS malfunctions primarily occur near geographical conflict zones, for example in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Example

A passenger aircraft is flying over the Middle East. Suddenly GPS 1 transmits an incorrect position. The crew decides to switch off GPS 1 and continue the flight with other radio navigation devices. After ten minutes, the GPS signal reconnects and the aircraft resumes normal navigation.

Commentary on the 2023 figures

In 2023, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) received a little over 2,100 reports of GPS malfunctions. Over the last few years, the number has increased steadily (2019–2023: +400%). This applies in particular to Europe and the Middle East (Turkey, Iraq and Iran) and political conflict zones. The problem is recognised at the international level, and conferences have been held to find solutions. The good news: a number of risk assessments confirm that GPS malfunctions do not significantly impair safety because aircraft normally carry multiple radio-navigation devices. In Switzerland, there have been isolated incidents relevant for helicopter operations. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) investigates such cases.

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Last modification 01.05.2024