Airplane Navigational Tools

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Airplane Navigational Tools
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History

• In 1921 the first experimental night flight was
  tried out using bonfires en route.
• Early air traffic controllers began using flags
  and lights to signal to pilots
• 1920s airports begin to use lights to show
  position of landing field
• 1930 - Cleveland, Ohio becomes the first city to
  use a radio-equipped control tower.

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Forms of navigation include

• Celestial Navigation using the stars, sun, and
  planets. Oldest form of navigation
• Pilotage pilot uses landmarks to determine
  position
• Dead reckoning pilot determines position using
  speed, time, direction, and destination
• Radio Navigation use of high tech instruments
  to determine position by use of radio waves

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Magnetic Compass

• Everything that flies has a magnetic compass
  mounted to the windshield
• It can be used almost anywhere in the world
• Its the most reliable thing in the aircraft,
  uses no power or technology

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Visual Omni Range (VOR)

• Being used since the 1950s
• Operated by the FAA
• VOR signal displays aircrafts position relative
  to specific station
• Uses thousands of radio transmitters located
  throughout U.S. and the world
• Aircraft must be within receiving range

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VOR Indicator
VOR always points away from the station

1. Rotating Course Card, calibrated from 0 to 360
2. Omni Bearing Selector knob (OBS), manually
   rotates course card
3. Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) needle swings
   left or right to show which way to turn to return
   to course entered
4. The TO-FROM indicator. Arrow points up when
   flying to VOR station and down when flying away
   from it. Red flag means out of range.

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Distance Measuring Equipment(DME)

• Allows the pilot to measure their distance from
  station
• Typically collocated with VOR station
• Displays distance, ground speed, and time to
  reach station
• Can also be paired with a TACAN station
• Slant Range error upon approach of station

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Aircraft course and DME indicator
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A typical VOR/DME ground station
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Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)

• Uses low frequency signals
• When frequency is set to proper station, the
  needle will point exactly to the station
• Non directional beacon (NBD) stations broadcast
  the signal threw the sky

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ADF Indicator
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Radar

• Stands for Radio Detection and Ranging
• Uses electromagnetic waves which are transmitted
  to the ground to determine altitude, direction,
  range, and speed
• Over 90 of the U.S. airspace is covered by radar
  and often by multiple radar systems
• Frequently used in approach and landing,
  especially in low-visibility conditions

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Transponders

• Little box on an aircraft used to help make the
  aircraft more visible as a radar target
• When a radar beam hits an aircraft it is
  reflected back to its origin so the FAA can pin
  point its exact location. The transponder
  generates a very powerful return pulse, making
  the aircraft easier to see

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Transponders
ATCs view of a radar screen
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LORAN C

• LOng-range RAdio Navigation
• Time based radio navigation from 2 or more
  locations
• 90-110hz

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Global Positioning System(GPS)

• Space based navigational aid
• Fast and accurate giving information such as
  speed, position, and course information
• Gives runway lengths
• Aircraft can be plotted within a few feet

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Other Navigational Aids

• OMEGA first truly global radio navigation
  system for aircraft
• Decca low frequency range developed during WWII

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Accuracy of Navigation Systems
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Review Questions

1. What type of navigation uses landmarks to
   determine position?
2. What the most reliable thing in the aircraft?
3. Does the VOR point towards or away from the
   station?
4. ADF uses what frequency signals?
5. What does Radar stand for?
6. What navigational aid gives runway lengths?

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References

• http//gaservingamerica.org/how_work/work_navigati
  on.htm
• http//www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_o
  ffices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/histo
  ry/
• http//www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Government
  _Role/landing_nav/POL14.htm
• http//www.google.com