Navigational Aids Flashcards
What is the purpose of navigational aids?
To allow aircraft to fly the airway systems with the necessary accuracy required.
What is the most accurate ground based navigational aid?
VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR)
How does VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) work?
It emits radar signals in 360 radials, which aircraft can fly towards or away from, each radial represents 1 degree, from 0-359 degrees.
What is often paired with VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR)?
Distance Meansuring Equipment (DME)
What is the function of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)?
Allows pilots to see how far they are from a fixed point (the DME).
What is a common use of VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR)?
To establish holds, all 4 inner holds at heathrow are established by overhead VORs
How does a Non-directional Beacon (NBD) work?
Emits a signal that pilots can navigate torwards.
What is the range of a Non-directional Beacon (NBD)?
25 nautical miles
What is the range of VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR)?
125 nautical miles
What is replacing many approach and en-route ground based navigational aids?
GPS
What is a Flight Management System?
A system to help automate part or all of flight. The most basic versions can hold a basic heading and altitude. The most complex can control the aircraft from departure to arrival.
What sources of information are used to set the Flight Management System?
Navigational aids
Inertial Navigation Systems
GPS
etc.
What is Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)?
A ground-based radio guidance system, which transmits two directional radio beams to aid pilots in landing. They advise the aircraft if it needs to fly up/down, or left/right to keep on the approach path.
What are the two beams of the Instrument Landing System (ILS)?
The Localiser and the Glide Path
What is the usual descent path for Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)?
3 degrees.
