National Air Traffic Service (NATS) has designed a new satellite navigation system to warn pilots from entering into controlled airspace. It will be soon provided to the pilots. Dubbed as Aware, this GPS navigation system will be a low cost device, pre-loaded with CAA approved chart that incorporates controlled airspace database.
This new development is in the verge of increasing number of dangers of flying into areas like restricted airspace. Nearly, 600 incidents are recorded in UK alone during 2008. Aware GPS System will feature a colour touch screen display of size 4.3 inches. It provides visual as well as audio warnings when the pilots are about to intrude into the restricted space.
The unit comes loaded with 1:500,000 charts for UK and NATS airspace database. It can also provide information such as class, distance, levels and so on. The warning updates are free of charge and can be downloaded monthly. But the chart updating needs an extra payment. A navigation package could be added as well. Aware GPS navigation systems with navigation package are also available.
Even though NATS says that Aware cannot replace maps and compass navigation, it will be a significant milestone in UK’s flight safety. The base unit without the navigation pack has been priced at £149, where as Aware with navigation system costs around £249.
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