FAA seeks cockpit GPS systems to prevent crashes

Those who drive Saab cars know its motto it “Born From Jets” — the idea being to suggest that the same technology that powers modern aircraft is available to consumers looking to put a little zip in their morning commute. Now, technology typically is used in cars is being added to airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced last week that it was in the market for (and would lower the regulatory hurdles regarding) a cockpit GPS navigation system that would help prevent pilots from commiting a “runway incursion” by using the wrong runway on takeoff and landing. The proposed technology, which was described by FAA administrator Marion Blakey as “a breakthrough application” and “game-changer” is a downgraded version of an earlier proposal to allow pilots the cockpit ability to see the locations and routes of all other planes in the vicinity. Under the new plans, the GPS system will simply show the flight crew its own position and not that of others. Streamlining the certification process, experts say, will bring the total cost per device down to $20,000 from $200,000.