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By Greg Bartlett

The development of the GPS tracking device as we know it today began in the military. The Air Force launched the forced GPS satellites as an aid to their aircraft operators. In successive years the military has become more and more dependent on these devices in military operations and commercial airline companies have implemented the technology into their aircraft as well. But GPS is not for the military and large companies only. Owners and operators of small private planes and jets can benefit as well.

The GPS tracking device has proven invaluable to pilots over time. A signal is transmitted from the transmitter to a receiving device which pinpoints the location of the aircraft at any given time. The information gained from the GPS device keeps planes that have lost radar contact and those flying in low visibility conditions on track with their flight plan. Those on the ground can also monitor the plane’s position and know immediately if the plane veers from its scheduled course. They can also evaluate routes and fuel usage as a means of cost reduction.

While these capabilities are standard in large commercial and military aircraft, private planes often do not have the sophisticated systems that their larger counterparts do. In these instances, it is wise for the pilot to purchase an additional system as a backup if his regular GPS tracking device should go out for any reason. In the event of a storm or a crash, a handheld GPS system may make the difference between surviving or not. Families and loved ones can also monitor the plane’s position in order to set their minds at ease regarding the safety of the pilot and passengers.

Companies with fleets of planes can benefit from installing a GPS tracking device as well. Fleet management efficiency increases exponentially with GPS monitoring. Cost reduction, route coordination, fuel usage monitoring and safety are just a few of the benefits associated with utilizing GPS technology in flight.

Although GPS tracking devices have become standard issue in many planes, there are many pilots who could benefit from better or additional units. Safety is a primary concern any time a plane goes into the air and GPS tracking can help increase the security of each plane and pilot while en route to the intended destination. Pilots and companies both should evaluate their current systems in order to determine whether upgrades or additional systems could improve performance.