Navigation Systems & RADAR Services

OBJECTIVE: To become familiar with navigation systems and radar services and how to apply them before and during flight.
ELEMENTS
  • Terms used in navigation 
  • Features of aeronautical charts 
  • Importance of using the proper and current aeronautical charts 
  • Fundamentals of radio navigation 
  • Ground-based navigation systems (VOR/VORTAC, NDB, DME, and LORAN) 
  • Satellite-based navigation systems (GPS) 
  • Ground and Satellite navigation systems (WAAS) 
  • Radar service and procedures 

COMPLETION STANDARDS
  • Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to navigation systems and radar services 
  • Demonstrates the ability to use an airborne electronic navigation system 
  • Locates the airplane’s position using the navigation system 
  • Intercepts and tracks a given course, radial or bearing, as appropriate 
  • Recognizes and describes the indication of station passage, if appropriate 
  • Recognizes signal loss and takes appropriate action 
  • Uses proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services 
  • Maintains the appropriate altitude, ±200 feet and headings ±15° 
THINGS TO REMEMBER
  • IFR Enroute Charts can be used to give absolute intersections 
  • 6 C’s: Climb, Conserve, Charts, Communicate, Confess, Comply 
  • GPS is not end-all solution for navigation 
  • ATC’s priority for VFR Traffic and IFR Visual Approach separation
  • ATC: “Piper XXX, state course.” Piper XXX: “260” 
  • ATC: “Piper XXX, do you have a GPS aboard the airplane?” Piper XXX: “Affirmative” 
  • ATC: “Piper XXX, Turn it off, we'll bring you home. Fly heading 175.” 



STUDY
  • Navigation equipment sections and supplements in Aircraft POH/AFM 
  • “Aeronautical Information Manual” Ch. 1 
  • Don Brown’s articles on ATC 
  • Pilot-Controller Glossary 
  • 7110.65 US Air Traffic Controller's Handbook 
  • “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” Ch. 13, 14, & 15 



COMMON ERRORS
  • Guessing at landmarks 
  • Heading towards first airport sighted instead of using flight planning and navigation log 
  • Becoming lost 
  • Not using all navigational tools available, in complex airspace, need 3 independent navigation methods