Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 143
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related
Both GPS failed; ATC queried us as to our navigation; showing us going south of course. We asked for vectors. Later; when both GPS recovered; we still refused to accept clearance for the RNAV arrival; opting instead for vectors.
Both GPS 1 and 2 failed while at cruise at 36;000 feet. ATC advised we were drifting about 1/2 mile left of course. We requested radar vectors back on course and refused the RNAV Arrival into SMF. Both GPS recovered without further incident.
Air carrier flight crew reported a temporary failure of both GPS in the vicinity of TPH VOR. After the systems recovered; the crew elected to refuse the RNAV approach and requested vectors from ATC.