Interference Testing Scheduled For Late March Off South Carolina

The FAA has released a notice that GPS testing has been scheduled for the southeast coast of the U.S. on Monday and again March 30 and 31.

During those times, the agency says, NAV GPS (including WAAS, GBAS, and ADS-B) may not be available within a 293 nautical mile circle centered at 322655N/0793719W at FL400.

The size of the circle will decrease as altitude decreases. The FAA says pilots can expect:
- 245NM radius at FL250
- 176NM radius at 10000FT
- 131NM radius at 4000FT AGL
- 68NM radius at 50FT AGL

Pilots are encouraged to report anomalies only when ATC assistance is required.

The times when GPS may be tested include:
- 21 March 16 1100Z – 1900Z
- 30 March 16 1100Z – 1700Z
- 31 March 16 1100Z – 1700Z

The FAA says that the NOTAMs may change with little or no notice. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area. NOTAMs will be published at least 24 hours in advance of any GPS tests.

(Map provided with NOTAM. Source: FAA)

FMI: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2016/Mar/CSG4_16-01_GPS_Flight_Advisory.pdf