Definition
A satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate position, velocity, and time information to a receiver anywhere on or near the Earth. In aviation, certified GPS receivers are used for en route navigation, approaches, and situational awareness, drawing signals from a constellation of orbiting satellites to compute the aircraft's location.
Plain English
A system of satellites in space that tells a receiver in the aircraft exactly where it is, how fast it's moving, and what time it is.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter GPS on cockpit displays, panel-mounted navigation units, handheld devices, and training equipment.
Derivation
From 'global' (worldwide), 'positioning' (finding a location), and 'system' (a coordinated set of parts). The name reflects that it works anywhere on Earth, not just in one region.
Why Pilots Care
Provides accurate position information independent of ground-based navigation aids, improving situational awareness and enabling precise IFR operations.
Intuition Check
GPS does not mean the aircraft is navigating safely by itself. It is a position and navigation aid that the pilot must use, check, and understand.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot loaded the destination airport into the GPS and selected the direct-to function for routing.
Example Sentence 2
GPS guidance allowed the flight to continue on the published arrival in marginal weather.