Everyone knows that GPS is in our phones helping us find our way around the streets to our favorite restaurants and weekend getaways.  But what about aviation?  Do planes use GPS?  The answer is “yes” – but GPS can’t do it alone.  Come learn how the Wide Area Augmentation System, or “WAAS” improves the GPS signal to help planes navigate and land in the National Airspace System and help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this amazing satellite-based technology.

STEM for Her and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are partnering to celebrate the FAA’s 20th anniversary celebration of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)!

WAAS is a satellite-based navigation system that corrects errors in GPS signals, resulting in more precise information about a plane’s position, speed, and altitude.  This technology enables pilots to fly more accurately, efficiently, and safely.

During this event, girls will go through a number of learning table activities, fly flight simulators, and participate in a discussion with a panel of female FAA engineers.

Bus transportation will be provided to the FAA Headquarters from two select central locations based on where our registrants live.  Girls will need to provide their own transportation to and from the bus location.