Theres probably a story here ... Photo courtesy of Gary Carter, 5/21/2009

GPS IN THE NEWS


SSA is well aware of the matter of potential interference to GPS if an FCC process considering LightSquared's establishment of another nationwide terrestrial broadband service receives final approval.  One of our SSA members has served for years on the RTCA group which recently studied such interference.  He is also the FAI representative to the UNOOSA's ICG, a UN group having expressed worldwide concern about such interference because it could affect not only GPS, but all satellite positioning, navigation and timing
systems capable of being received in the USA.  ICG is further concerned that approval for such frequency use in the USA could lead to other countries adopting a similar concept, making such interference a potential matter of concern worldwide.

SSA has applied for membership in the Save Our GPS Coalition which consists of just about every organization involved with using GPS.  GPS has been of great import to the gliding community in the Flight Recorders we use for the documentation of badge, contest and record flying, as well as GPS units used for navigation and traffic situational awareness as in ADS-B, including the private FLARM system.

Some of you may read about a 13Jan12 letter directed to the US Dept. of Commerce's Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Lawrence Strickling which implies that LightSquared's proposals are unacceptable.  "It is the unanimous conclusion of the test findings by the National Space-Based PNT EXCOM Agencies that both LightSquared's original and modified plans for its proposed mobile network would cause harmful interference to many GPS receivers."  The letter is signed by the two co-chairs of the PNT
EXCOM, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari.

That is countered by a 19Jan12 LightSquared release belittling the testing which led to the PNT EXCOM report, asking for a reevaluation of the testing and LightSquared's mitigation proposals.

This matter is one of great importance to your Society in which it remains closely involved.

ADS-B - Automatic Dependent Surveillance System - Broadcast
FCC  - Federal Communications Commission
GPS  - Global Positioning System
ICG  - International Committee on GNSS
PNT  - Positioning Navigation & Timing
RTCA - private non-profit corporation addressing aviation requirements and technical concepts to advance the art and science of aviation and aviation electronic systems, functioning as a Federal Advisory Committee
UN   - United Nations
UNOOSA - United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Posted: 1/27/2012

U S Team Committee Election Results

Congratulations to Sarah Kelly Arnold for her election to a three-year term and to Peter Deane for his election to a two-year term on the SSA U.S. Team Committee. Both terms begin immediately. 

Thanks to  Sean Franke, John Godfrey and Ron Tabery for participating in the election and for all of their other contributions to competition soaring.

-Ken Sorenson, SSA Contest Committee Chair

Posted: 1/17/2012

SSA is now accepting in kind securities

The SSA is pleased to announce a brokerage account has been established through Vanguard, so you may make contributions of securities in lieu of cash donations. If you are interested in this, please contact Misty LeBreton at SSA headquarters, 575-392-1177. 

Posted: 8/31/2011

Soaring100

For more information about the special Soaring100 event, which is scheduled for October 21-24, 2011, please click here:  Soaring100 postcard

Posted: 7/26/2011

New Transponder Code for Gliders

SSA has received information of a new transponder code for gliders. Gliders not in contact with an ATC facility should squawk 1202 in lieu of 1201, which is currently in effect. This proposed change will be effective February 9, 2012.

As a clarification, the FAA intends to reserve the code 1202 for glider use only. This will not preclude local agreements (or ATC direction) to use other codes. Pilots should ask their local agreement sponsor to contact the appropriate FAA office and discuss with them whether to continue the use of those other codes or switch over to 1202 when this change becomes effective. 

For more information on this, click here. 

Posted: 5/20/2011

32nd World Gliding Championships Website

The 32nd World Gliding Championships (July 28-August 19, 2012, Uvalde, Texas) website is now live. The web address for the site is: www.wgc2012uvalde.com. 

The features and functions present in the design reflect the most successful WGC websites of the last several years. Owners looking to exchange or lease their gliders can list their equipment in the Rental/Hire section of the site. The organizing committee wants to make everyone aware that sponsorship and promotion opportunities are available for this major aviation event. For more information on sponsorship involvement, contact Linda Murray, linda@easternsailplane.com. 

Posted: 5/5/2011

SSA on Facebook

Photo #5632 | facebook icon large Click here to become a fan of the SSA on Facebook.

Posted: 4/8/2010

SOARING MAGAZINE READER SURVEY

Link:  http://surveys.ssa.org/research/index.php?sid=34417

In order to better serve members of the SSA, we need to know what you think of your magazine and journal,Soaring, whether it is fulfilling your needs and wishes and what we may do better.

This readership survey is intended to help us achieve that goal.  Please commit some time to completing this survey and commenting freely.  Do complete the background questions so we also better understand our audience.  This survey runs through October 30th.

Posted: 9/29/2011

Your Support is Greatly Appreciated

Photo #5609 | Eagle Fund 2010 Donate to the Eagle Fund

 Photo #5610 | Soaring Team Enter the NK ClearNav Raffle

Posted: 3/17/2010

SSA Promotes Soaring Safety with New Sailplane Tracker List

It’s late in the day, and one of your sailplane pilots has not returned – what to do? If he or she is one of the growing numbers of pilots equipped with a SPOT™ satellite tracking device, an APRS (ham-radio only) or other personal locator beacon (PLB), and has updated his or her SSA profile with the information, then you may be able to quickly access the latest tracking information on the pilot through the SSA’s new Sailplane Tracker List.

In recognition of its leading role in promoting soaring safety, the SSA has created the SSA Sailplane Tracker List. The repository is a list of internet links to satellite tracker data, such as SPOT™,s ‘Shared Tracking’ page or other web-based tracking devices. Simply click on the ‘Locator URL’ link for a listed member, and the most recent tracking data is shown superimposed on a map.

Click on the SAILPLANE TRACKER icon on the SSA home page to go directly to the Sailplane Tracker List. For additional information or feedback please contact a member of the sailplane tracking team here.

Posted: 10/7/2009

Alby's Voyage

A young albatross named Alby wishes to fly across America.  Glider pilots are taking him aboard their silent flying machines, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.

Read the Story - you may fly with Alby, too.

Posted: 8/13/2009