iFly GPS Forum

Don,

We just had the Deputy Commander of the NEWEST branch of our military services, the SPACE FORCE come talk to us about satellites and space - based capabilities...that would be LT GENERAL Dickenson, US, Army (but soon to transfer to the US Space Force). The reason we now HAVE a "space force" is to focus soley on space capabilities as our economy is now somewhat dependent on GPS from everthing from position awareness to financial transactions...

He painted a grim picture of "denial" should one or more of our adversaries want to up the escalation ladder with the US, meaning our ADSB systems that rely on our GPS systems would be severly compromised.  We might want to consider remaining on some GROUND based system for position awareness into perpetuity, or until they "harden" the satellite constellation we all depend on (the entire world). China and Russia are developing a system of satellites they control so they won't have to depend on ours anymore.

We just can't control what happens in the new contested, congested and competitive domain of space anymore. The countries who CAN affect our satellites are developing weapons to disable ours...it is really not that difficult anymore. (though they too, would pay a price)

Keep your printed sectionals in your plane...just in case!

Mike N714AJ

Deck is a very nice airport with reasonably priced self fueling.

The Golden Age Air Museum a few miles NE at Grimes/8N1 is highly recommended.

Tom.......not Mike.

Don,

Yes, I go to DECK when I have to visit the VA there for mandatory medical stuff I usually seek to avoid..anyway, MR. DECK has a wonderful 78 FORD Station Wagon in the garage he lets pilots use, so when I am there and need it, I use it, charge the battery, check the tires, oil and always leave it full of fuel and CLEAN.  If you need it, just call and ask but be prepared to jump it with one of those little portalble battery boxes. Also be prepared to get some stares -- it is quite the land shark!

There is a wonderful "throwback" diner in the middle of town (Lebanon) I would recommend - it is like going back into the '60's! Has the little juke boxes on the table and the outside of the place is that diner-metal-exterior you see in postcards from the post-war (WW II) era. (Downtown Lebanon, PA)  That town is also known for its' SCRAPPLE and bolonga sandwiches...though I am not that fond of them or "the other gray meat," SCRAPPLE.

So true about GPS -- every time I go to DC I micro-navigate using the needle, ball and alcohol (compass, that is) for fear of losign the GPS! I keep sectionals and the City Charts for all the ones around here...you never know.

Have fun at DECK!  Tom is right about GRIMES GOLDEN AGE AIR MUSEUM.  This summer, come on up for one of the events and we can meet you there! They just put up a new burger shack on the grass field - it's awesome.

Mike N714AJ