HelpCookies

Kp Index for Drone Pilots

By VectorWX. Sources reviewed .

Kp describes planetary geomagnetic activity. It helps you check the wider space weather picture; it does not measure GPS accuracy at your launch site.

Latest Kp Observation

Kp 0.0. Observation time: .

Latest reading from the existing NOAA SWPC mirror.

Source: NOAA SWPC planetary K-index. VectorWX uses its existing SWPC feed mirror for the observation.

NOAA Three-Day Kp Outlook

These are predicted intervals from the NOAA SWPC forecast feed. All times are UTC. A forecast is distinct from an observation.

SWPC predicted Kp intervals
Interval start (UTC)Predicted Kp
2.00
1.67
1.67
1.00
1.33
3.00
3.33
4.33
5.00
4.67
4.33
4.00
3.00
3.00
3.67
4.00
3.67

What Kp Can Mean for GPS

NOAA explains that disturbed conditions in the ionosphere can affect satellite navigation signals. Position accuracy can fall and receivers can lose signal lock. The effect depends on the receiver, location and conditions. A planetary number cannot predict the error of a particular aircraft.

A compass is a separate sensor from a GPS receiver. Kp does not test your compass or show local magnetic interference. Follow the aircraft instructions and inspect its navigation warnings before launch. Check for local sources of interference at the site.

Use Kp with the Rest of the Weather Check

This page sets no universal Kp go/no-go threshold. Do not turn a planning rule of thumb into an FAA requirement. Read the Part 107 requirements, compare the wind at altitude, and complete the preflight checklist. A low Kp value does not establish safe flight conditions.

Drone Weather Guides

Drone Weather Questions

Find weather for your city · Chicago example

Planning aid only. Check conditions at the flight site and use an official briefing. A weather page does not grant flight or airspace approval.