RightSeatGirl
KA'PLAH BITCHES!
I just read about something that really isn't new news but it got me thinking about the issue more in depth. Many within the aviation community are asking the feds to completely digitize the ATC system and run it off a satellite based platform. Now I'm all for upgrading the ATC system, should have been done ten years ago..but....
Satellite based? I'm no so sure about that...Do we really want that kind of vulnerability in something that has a monumentally critical importance to our nations infrastructure as well as our national security? GPS itself is a vulnerable enough system. But running the whole of the ATC system off of floating little buoys of silicon, titanium, plastic and aluminum in orbit where advancing enemy states and the likely well-equipped terrorists of the not so distant future can blast em right to kingdom come?
Why does this not surprise me...
There are alternatives and as pilots we should be aware of them..
Presently the LORAN system is being revamped. Called Enhanced Loran, eLORAN, it's a digital version of a very accurate system - http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/eLoran/overview.htm .
There was also a proposal a many years back to digitize VOR's, called Wide Apature Digital VOR, and set them up to transmit the same way GPS sats do so that existing aircraft equipment could use them with no modification. Don't know why they didn't do this , perhaps cost at the time. But it seems now would be a good time to reconsider this type of setup..
Basically my point is I believe a new ATC system should be some form of advanced ground based system as I think a satellite based platform would be increasingly more vulnerable to attack.
Opinions?
Satellite based? I'm no so sure about that...Do we really want that kind of vulnerability in something that has a monumentally critical importance to our nations infrastructure as well as our national security? GPS itself is a vulnerable enough system. But running the whole of the ATC system off of floating little buoys of silicon, titanium, plastic and aluminum in orbit where advancing enemy states and the likely well-equipped terrorists of the not so distant future can blast em right to kingdom come?
Why does this not surprise me...
There are alternatives and as pilots we should be aware of them..
Presently the LORAN system is being revamped. Called Enhanced Loran, eLORAN, it's a digital version of a very accurate system - http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/eLoran/overview.htm .
There was also a proposal a many years back to digitize VOR's, called Wide Apature Digital VOR, and set them up to transmit the same way GPS sats do so that existing aircraft equipment could use them with no modification. Don't know why they didn't do this , perhaps cost at the time. But it seems now would be a good time to reconsider this type of setup..
Basically my point is I believe a new ATC system should be some form of advanced ground based system as I think a satellite based platform would be increasingly more vulnerable to attack.
Opinions?