During a flight, the moving map on a remote pilot's control station suddenly shows the small UA several hundred feet from where the pilot can plainly see it hovering. According to the AIM and part 107, what does this most likely indicate, and how should the pilot determine the aircraft's location?
- APossible GPS jamming or spoofing; trust your direct view of the aircraft over the map
- BA normal map update; the displayed position is more accurate than what the pilot sees
- CA complete control link loss; the aircraft's location is unknown until GPS returns
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Possible GPS jamming or spoofing; trust your direct view of the aircraft over the map
GPS signals are low-strength and can be jammed or spoofed. The AIM lists an inaccurate aircraft position on a moving map and a large shift in displayed GPS position among the effects and indications, and tells pilots to be prepared to operate without GPS navigation systems. Under section 107.31 the remote pilot knows the aircraft's location by seeing it.
- A. Correct. The AIM lists a large shift in displayed GPS position and an inaccurate position on a moving map as effects or indications of GPS jamming and/or spoofing. Section 107.31 requires seeing the aircraft to know its location.
- B. Incorrect. The AIM treats a large shift in displayed GPS position as an indication of GPS jamming or spoofing, and part 107 relies on seeing the aircraft to know its location.
- C. Incorrect. Nothing in the scenario shows a control link loss, and the pilot can still see the aircraft, which is how section 107.31 requires its location to be known.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 1-2-4c Inaccurate aircraft position on navigation display (e.g., moving map and electronic flight bag).
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 1-2-4a Pilots should also be prepared to operate without GPS navigation systems.
14 CFR Part 107 (eCFR), §107.31(a) must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight in order to: (1) Know the unmanned aircraft's location;