Definition
The three functional parts that make the Global Positioning System work: the space segment (the constellation of GPS satellites in orbit), the control segment (the ground stations that monitor and manage those satellites), and the user segment (the GPS receivers in aircraft, ships, vehicles, and handheld devices that use the satellite signals to determine position, time, and velocity).
Plain English
GPS is built from three parts working together: the satellites in space, the ground stations that keep those satellites accurate, and the receivers people actually use, including the one in the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying how GPS navigation works in instrument flying, especially before using GPS for en route navigation or instrument approaches.
Derivation
Component comes from Latin words meaning “to put together.” That fits this term because GPS is not one single thing; it is a system made from several parts working together.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding the segments helps a pilot recognize how satellite geometry, ground corrections, and receiver performance affect navigation accuracy and integrity.
Analogy
Think of GPS like a phone call: one part sends the message, one part keeps the network working, and one part receives the message. GPS needs all of its parts working together in a similar way.
Intuition Check
GPS Components does not mean only the GPS screen or box in the panel. In this context, it means the whole GPS system: satellites, ground control, and the aircraft receiver.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor opened the GPS lesson by walking through the three GPS components: the satellites overhead, the ground control stations, and the receiver mounted in the panel.
Example Sentence 2
Before the flight the pilot checked that the aircraft GPS components were operating normally and that the database was current.