Time

Is UTC time the same as GMT?

pmj...

Basically, yes.

I'm sure someone can explain why there are 2 different things like
that used, which (to all intents & purposes) mean the same thing.

The Wanderer...

Err, I understand and accept your very clear examples using aviation, but
isn't it more an issue about semantics? The base line, the datum for UTC
*is* GMT - the two are interlinked, by your own explanation above.

Michaelangelo...

Okay, I was being over simplistic. GMT and UTC are actually not the
same. Here's the technical difference but, I warn you, you are about to
enter US Navy territory. Please leave your paranoia at the door.

It would be equally valid to expresss all 'International times' as GMT, or
Eastern Standard, or whatever standard was agreed. The difference of course
is that on the other side of the world, flying in darkness across the
Pacific it would seem a little silly to refer to the 'cockpit' time as 10
a.m, GMT. What the UK chooses to do with its clocks during summer months
doesn't in itself invalidate GMT!

Using UTC or 'Zulu' time merely removes any implied geographic or national
links to the time, and also removes any ambiguity in how time is expressed,
i.e. in terms of the 24 hour clock, and not a 12 hour clock.

There's a mischeivous little imp inside of me that suspects our American
cousins were very much infavour of this standard because the conventions of
several centuries has meant that a world-accepted datum, 0 degrees
longitude and consequently GMT, is centred in a country that lies outside
the borders of the US, and consequently reminds them repeatedly that they
weren't always at the forefront of technology and world domination. But
then again, I tell myself that such suspicions are small-minded and
unworthy! :-)

Michaelangelo...

Oooh, You mischief maker, you! The very idea! You'll be sorry when
we're the 51st state, Ann Widdicombe is president and the CIA come
calling. They monitor this group all the time, you know.

Rabbit...

They monitor it from the house in Daytona Beach where JFK, Marilyn Monroe
and Elvis are living :-)

BoyPete...

Thanks :)