LightSquare Testing in Nevada

[Jeff_S]

Folks, here's a notice about testing of the LightSquare wireless system in Nevada, advising against possible GPS outages and urging pilots to alert ATC if they experience anything in the area. I encourage all pilots in the general vicinity to go test this out and report any GPS coverage issues (real, or imagined!) to the authorities!

https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2011/May/Light_Square_-BVU_Flight_Advisory.pdf

[jsimmons619]

I'd like to add my support to Jeff's request for all pilots in the vicinity of Boulder City, NV to take a flight and perform your own test of the (potential and probable) interference caused by the Light Squared testing.  Pilots from across the nation need your support to report any, and all anomilies caused by this ground based system.  We're all counting on you.

[DaV8or]

I had to go look it up. I had never heard of LightSquared before. Sounds like we get 4G wireless broadband everywhere in the country, but... spotty or unreliable GPS signals?? How is this going to fly? Definately, anybody living in the area with access to an aiplane needs to get out there and check it out, then report.

[jsimmons619]

For those who aren't fmiliar with Light Sqared's plans, they are planning as many as 40,000 antennas nationwide for their 4G system.  The frequency band is immediately adjacent to the satellite based GPS system.  Our GPS systems are very sensitive and decode the signals at very low levels.  It is anticipated by most GPS manufacturers that the Light Squared sognals will overdrive our receivers when within 5 miles of an antenna.  Obviously this would be completely unacceptable, especially in the area of GPS approaches.  To date LightSquared's answer is that "adequately filtered GPS systems will have no problem".  Pilots in Nevada, we need you to make your observations known to the us and the FAA.

[DaV8or]

Quote: jsimmons619

  To date LightSquared's answer is that "adequately filtered GPS systems will have no problem". 

[RJBrown]

And those D@MM bast#$%^ stole my Loran. They did it Because GPS was All we would ever need. I had GPS, LORAN, VOR/DME and ADF in my plane. Used them ALL. The current all the eggs in one basket mentality scares me.

[DaV8or]

Quote: RJBrown

The current all the eggs in one basket mentality scares me.

[Jerry 5TJ]

Avionics GPS receivers in IFR-approved, panel-mounted equipment probably ARE well enough filtered already to deal with the LightSquare adjacent channel transmissions.  Handheld receivers (and GPS enabled Smartphones) are not and may encounter problems especially adjacent to the LIghtSquare base stations. 

Be ready to file an ASRS form if you find any instance of GPS interference.   I did so some years ago when I found (and carefully mapped during several flights) an area of GPS interference on a few miles of V459 near LHS  during IFR flights at the MEA but no higher; a NASA investigator called me within days of mailing my ASRS form, and the problem did get fixed. GPS interference is taken seriously. 

The LightSquare tests are likely to be "interesting" to pilots.

   

 

[Hank]

Yes, i am very interested in Light Squared's test methods and results!!

[jsimmons619]

Avionics GPS receivers in IFR-approved, panel-mounted equipment probably ARE well enough filtered already to deal with the LightSquare adjacent channel transmissions. Handheld receivers (and GPS enabled Smartphones) are not and may encounter problems especially adjacent to the LIghtSquare base stations.

That's a very strong statement that "IFR approved panel mounts are filtered enough. What is the source of your facts supporting this position? Garmin is only one of the leading GPS manufacturers who are highly skeptical of LightSquared's non-interference position. I understand that many manufacturers are uniting against the proliferation of this system including some seeking congressional intervention.

[PTK]

I called Garmin about this.  Their position is that the FCC and FAA don't realy communicate. What else is new, it's the government!  But he did indicate that it would not be allowed to interfere noting that there are a lot of GPS users including the miitary and commercial operators.  He did also indicate that it's the government and they can do anything they want!  I take that to mean they can even take down GPS satellites!  But I don't see them allowing interference with navigational GPS signals. 

[DaV8or]

Quote: allsmiles

I called Garmin about this.  Their position is that the FCC and FAA don't realy communicate. What else is new, it's the government!  But he did indicate that it would not be allowed to interfere noting that there are a lot of GPS users including the miitary and commercial operators.  He did also indicate that it's the government and they can do anything they want!  I take that to mean they can even take down GPS satellites!  But I don't see them allowing interference with navigational GPS signals. 

[carusoam]

Results...

 

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