Takeoff distance determination using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and hand-held receivers

This research lends to the fact that Global Positioning System receivers can determine position accurately and precise enough for flight testing. It will be the author's declaration that Global Positioning System receivers are more precise than traditional systems and that traditional instrumentation systems are not accurate nor precise enough to adequately determine performance parameters for aircraft. The author will confirm the accuracy and precision of the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and validate the claim that data collected from GPS receivers may be used in experimental performance applications. This will be achieved by a comparative analysis of flight tests and other dynamic tests. The data was compared to actual change of position to prove the accuracy of the tests. The data proved to be less than desirable. Accuracy of the tests showed that the distance required for takeoff distance can be within 90 feet with some data proving to be within 15 feet for ideal use. Some tests proved that the GPS method of takeoff determination can be beneficial; however, more testing will be needed to confirm the time of day for testing, and the number of satellites needed for accurate data. In conclusion, unaugmented GPS data is not accurate enough to produce takeoff distance, but collecting data under ideal conditions can prove beneficial.