Why should you not rely solely on GPS for VFR navigation?

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Multiple Choice

Why should you not rely solely on GPS for VFR navigation?

Relying on GPS alone for VFR navigation is risky because there is no mandated standard ensuring accuracy or integrity for VFR GPS receivers. In practice, GPS performance can vary: signals can be degraded or blocked by terrain, buildings, foliage, or weather; satellite geometry can reduce accuracy; receivers can experience outages or interference. Consumer-grade GPS units used in VFR flight aren’t held to the same certification or integrity guarantees as IFR navigation equipment, so you can’t count on perfect performance at all times. That’s why you should treat GPS as a helpful supplement rather than the sole navigation method. Maintain traditional skills like pilotage and dead reckoning, and cross-check GPS information with paper charts, VORs, and recognizable landmarks. Have a plan for navigation if GPS becomes unreliable or unavailable, including using backup instruments and procedures.

Relying on GPS alone for VFR navigation is risky because there is no mandated standard ensuring accuracy or integrity for VFR GPS receivers. In practice, GPS performance can vary: signals can be degraded or blocked by terrain, buildings, foliage, or weather; satellite geometry can reduce accuracy; receivers can experience outages or interference. Consumer-grade GPS units used in VFR flight aren’t held to the same certification or integrity guarantees as IFR navigation equipment, so you can’t count on perfect performance at all times.

That’s why you should treat GPS as a helpful supplement rather than the sole navigation method. Maintain traditional skills like pilotage and dead reckoning, and cross-check GPS information with paper charts, VORs, and recognizable landmarks. Have a plan for navigation if GPS becomes unreliable or unavailable, including using backup instruments and procedures.

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