Definition
An avionics unit that picks up signals from Global Positioning System satellites and uses them to calculate the aircraft's position, altitude, ground speed, and time. In the cockpit, the GPS receiver typically presents this information through a moving map and is used for navigation, including direct-to routing, flight plan tracking, and locating nearby airports.
Plain English
The box in the panel that listens to GPS satellites and tells you where you are, how fast you're going, and what's around you.
Context Anchor
Seen when using panel-mounted or portable GPS equipment, including the nearest airport function in instrument flying.
Derivation
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. 'Receiver' comes from the Latin recipere, meaning 'to take in.' The unit takes in satellite signals rather than transmitting anything itself.
Why Pilots Care
It supplies the accurate position data required for instrument navigation and safe arrival at any airport.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the GPS receiver as the GPS satellites themselves. The receiver is the equipment in the aircraft that uses satellite signals to calculate and display useful navigation information.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine started running rough, the pilot pressed the Nearest button on the GPS receiver to find the closest suitable airport.
Example Sentence 2
With the GPS receiver locked on satellites, the moving map showed the aircraft's exact position over the city.