CPAER Canada Commercial Pilot Practice Exam

Differential GPS (DGPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies enhance the accuracy of positioning information by addressing and correcting errors in satellite signals. The advantage of DGPS over standard GPS lies in its ability to provide significantly improved positional accuracy. This is achieved through the use of ground-based reference stations that calculate satellite signal errors caused by factors such as atmospheric conditions, signal blockage, and multi-path effects. These reference stations then transmit correction signals to the GPS receiver, allowing the user to achieve an accuracy of a few centimeters, compared to the accuracy of around 5 to 10 meters typically associated with standard GPS.

While communication errors, visual flight rules enhancements, and passenger comfort are important aspects of aviation, they do not directly relate to the primary function of DGPS/GNSS in improving positioning accuracy. Therefore, the focus on the increase in accuracy through error correction is the key benefit that differentiates DGPS/GNSS from standard GPS.