GPS
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
Active Notices
Please read the GPS Interference notices
regarding interference testing, exercises and training activities
that may affect GPS receivers.
Overview of the US Federal Government's Policy on Activities
Which May Cause Interference to GPS:
On occasion, the US Federal Government is required to conduct GPS
interference tests, exercises and training activities that involve
jamming of GPS receivers. These events go through a lengthy coordination
process involving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the
US Coast Guard (USCG), the Department of Defense (DoD) and other
government agencies.
Due to the fact that these training and testing activities can
involve a number of aircraft, ships and/or other military equipment
and up to hundreds of personnel, cancellation or postponement of
a coordinated test should only occur under compelling circumstances.
In general, only safety-of-life/safety-of-flight conflicts warrant
cancellation or postponement of a coordinated interference test.
In the event that an interference activity compromises a safety-of-life
mission, procedures exist to protect those involved. If a Lifeguard
(medical evacuation flight), fire-fighting mission, or other aviation-related
activity where GPS navigation is essential is impacted the conflict
should be reported to the nearest FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC)
facility. FAA will issue ”cease buzzer” (stop jamming)
notification to the tester. All testers are required to set up a
point of contact reachable via telephone throughout the testing
period.
Non-aviation related safety-of-life activities that require immediate
cessation of GPS interference tests should be reported to the USCG
Navigation Center (NAVCEN). The NAVCEN will either issue the “cease
buzzer” or relay it to the FAA for issuance.
In the event that a safety-of-life conflict is anticipated, but
not immediate, the affected GPS user should notify the USCG NAVCEN.
An example of this is firefighting activities that may spread to
testing areas. In some instances, the USCG may choose to put the
tester directly in contact with the affected GPS user. In other
cases, the USCG may choose to notify the appropriate government
official to resolve the conflict.
When attempting to resolve such a conflict, the interests of both
parties must be taken into account.
Conflict resolution considerations:
- What is the safety issue involved?
- Is there an alternative, non-GPS method to perform the activity?
- What are the implications to National Security if the test,
training or exercise is terminated or postponed?
- For both parties, what is the purpose of the activity?
- For both parties, how many individuals or systems are affected?
- For both parties, what are the economic implications?
- Is it possible for either party to reschedule to another date
or set of dates?
- Is it possible for either party to only use a portion of the
dates they require?
- Is it possible for either party to use different or fewer times
of day than in the original request?
The answers to these questions will provide guidance to the decision
makers who will resolve the issue.
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