Wireless network test might affect GPS navigation systems

WASHINGTON — Pilots flying at night near Las Vegas over the next week might have to navigate without GPS.

The Federal Aviation Administration is warning that navigation systems based on GPS technology might be “unreliable or unavailable” in a 350-mile radius that includes Las Vegas. LightSquared, which plans to deploy an ultra-fast wireless broadband network, is testing its equipment in Nevada southeast of Las Vegas.

The tests are part of a deal LightSquared worked out with the Federal Communications Commission.

All airliners and many other planes have backup systems that don’t involve GPS. Also, many planes continue to use radio signals from FAA ground stations to navigate rather than GPS.

GPS is eventually expected to almost entirely replace radio signals.

Jeffrey Carlyle, LightSquared’s executive vice president, said Las Vegas has little air traffic between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. when the testing will take place.