Slate News What Next: TBD | When Your Flight’s GPS Gets Spoofed
Dec 1, 2024
Drew FitzGerald, a telecom reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the pressing issue of GPS spoofing in aviation, a threat that endangers flights worldwide. He discusses a critical incident involving a false GPS alert that tested a pilot's decision-making. FitzGerald explores the disturbing rise of GPS spoofing and jamming, detailing its implications for airlines and pilot safety, especially in conflict zones. He also highlights strategies airlines are adopting to combat this technological vulnerability and ensure safer skies.
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False Alarm
- An American Airlines Boeing 777 received a false "pull up" alert over Pakistan.
- The pilot correctly identified this as GPS spoofing, a fake signal.
GPS History
- GPS, initially for military use, became commercialized like the internet.
- The 1983 downing of KAL 007 accelerated this for aviation safety.
Jamming vs. Spoofing
- GPS interference includes jamming, blocking signals, and spoofing, creating false signals.
- Airlines have prepared for jamming for decades, unlike spoofing.