Oceanic flights are out of range
of ground-based surveillance systems. Controllers
rely on position reports radioed periodically from
pilots. Due to the time delays in receiving these
reports, a significant distance must be kept between
aircraft to ensure safety. GPS-equipped aircraft relay
their position via digital data links through satellites
to controllers. Knowing each aircraft's real-time
position enables controllers to safely reduce aircraft
separation, which increases capacity, reduces fuel
consumption, and optimizes flight routes.
