GPS offers an inexpensive and reliable supplement to existing navigation techniques for aircraft. Civil aircraft typically fly from one ground beacon, or waypoint, to another. With GPS, an aircraft's computers can be programmed to fly a direct route to a destination. The savings in fuel and time can be significant.

GPS can simplify and improve the method of guiding planes to a safe landing, especially in poor weather. With advanced GPS systems, airplanes can be guided to touchdown even when visibility is poor. For the private pilot, inexpensive GPS systems provide position information in a practical, simple, and useful form. 

GPS in the Cockpit
Pilots often rely on GPS to navigate to their destinations. A GPS receiver in the cockpit provides the pilot with accurate position data and helps him or her keep the airplane on course.