What do systematic and latent errors in navigation systems require?

Systematic and latent errors in navigation systems require frequent updates of Flight Management System (FMS) and Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) magnetic variation tables. This is crucial because systematic errors consistently produce inaccurate outputs under certain conditions, while latent errors may go undetected until they manifest as incorrect data. Regularly updating these tables ensures that the navigation systems utilize the most accurate and current magnetic variation information, which is essential for precise navigation.

The correct maintenance of magnetic variation tables is vital, as they account for the differences between true north and magnetic north, which can change due to various factors, such as geomagnetic shifts. By keeping these updates current, navigators can minimize inaccuracies caused by these errors and thus enhance safety and efficiency in flight operations.

In contrast to this approach, revising navigation procedures overhauls the entire system and may not directly address the underlying issues caused by these errors. Resorting to traditional navigation techniques might be considered a fallback option, but it does not address the need for accurate and up-to-date information in modern systems. Similarly, reducing pilot reliance on instruments does not mitigate errors but rather places more importance on having reliable instrument data to work from. Frequent updates are fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the navigation systems.