What action should be taken if a bad fix is encountered?

When encountering a bad fix, increasing the interval to 1 minute is a practical step to take. This approach allows for a more thorough assessment of the situation by giving additional time for the Global Positioning System (GPS) or other navigational instruments to stabilize and provide a more accurate position. The longer interval can help in determining whether the initial fix was indeed inaccurate or if the navigation instruments are experiencing temporary disruptions.

This action provides an opportunity to collect more data points which can assist in filtering out anomalies or inconsistencies caused by environmental factors or limitations in the navigational system. Additionally, waiting for a more reliable position can prevent erroneous decision-making based on potentially flawed data, thus enhancing overall navigational safety and certainty.

Taking immediate action, such as changing direction or notifying the commanding officer, might be premature without first verifying that the bad fix is persistent. In navigation, patience and careful analysis are critical, particularly when utilizing systems that can fluctuate in accuracy.