SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-raim-purpose

What does RAIM let a GPS receiver do?

It monitors its own integrity.

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  1. Check the integrity of its own position solution ✔
  2. Predict weather along the route
  3. Correct for magnetic variation

Why: RAIM checks whether the satellite signals are good enough for the phase of flight. Without RAIM the pilot has no assurance of GPS position integrity. If RAIM is not available, use another type of navigation and approach system.

Huh, didn't know that: RAIM outages can occur from too few satellites or poor satellite geometry.

The dad joke
RAIM is the receiver's way of saying: trust me, but let me check.
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References

Answer: Check the integrity of its own position solution. RAIM checks whether the satellite signals are good enough for the phase of flight. Without RAIM the pilot has no assurance of GPS position integrity. If RAIM is not available, use another type of navigation and approach system.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Information Manual 1-1 Navigation Aids www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap1_section_1.html
    RAIM is the capability of a GPS receiver to perform integrity monitoring on itself
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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