Pilot/Controller Glossary

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

GPS refers to the worldwide positioning, navigation and timing determination capability available from the U.S. satellite constellation. The service provided by GPS for civil use is defined in the GPS Standard Positioning System Performance Standard. GPS is composed of space, control, and user elements.

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 18, 2026.