The following is from an aviation web site, AVWEB, AVflash@avweb.com WILL LORAN LIVE LONG AND PROSPER? Pilots who use Loran-C to get from hither to yon probably won't be forced to free up panel space anytime soon. AOPA says the Coast Guard is planning to continue operating Loran-C through the year 2008, but any extension beyond the December 31, 2000 shutdown target date will have to have DOT Secretary Rodney Slater's approval. "More than 80,000 general aviation aircraft are equipped with Loran receivers," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We've fought a long time to protect pilots' investment in Loran equipment and to keep this system operating." The FAA reauthorization bill pending in the House directs the DOT to maintain and upgrade the Loran-C system throughout the transition to satellite- based navigation. Incidentally, the FAA is not installing a DGPS system, but a similar system called Wide Area Augmentation System or WAAS. This system will use a satellite and several ground stations throughout the US. It is more complicated than DGPS but the same idea - known geographical locations providing corrections to the GPS signal. Some of the electronic manufacturers are attempting to sell DGPS systems to airports. Anyway, I wouldn't throw your loran receiver away just yet. Herb Hoffman My Tyme Prairie 29