Glossary - G

Glideslope (GS) function.   The autopilot function that manipulates the pitch of the aircraft to track a glideslope signal or APV guidance during a precision approach.

Global Positioning System (GPS).   A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation system that can determine position and track the movement of an aircraft. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver must be installed on board the aircraft to receive and interpret signals from the satellite-based system.

Global Positioning System Steering (GPSS).   The autopilot function that receives signals directly from the GPS/FMS/ RNAV to steer the aircraft along the desired track to the active waypoint set in the GPS receiver.

GPS.   See Global Positioning System.

GPS overlay approach.   A conventional nonprecision approach procedure that can be flown using RNAV equipment.

GPS stand-alone approach.   A nonprecision approach procedure based solely on the use of the global positioning system and an IFR-certified FMS/RNAV unit using GPS signals.

GPSS.   See Global Positioning System Steering.

Great circle route.   The shortest distance between two points when traveling on the surface of the earth; defined by a geometric plane that passes through the two points and the center of the earth.

Ground weather surveillance radar system.   Any groundbased facility equipped to gather information about significant weather across a wide area.

 
 
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