Aircraft Navigation Testing

VOR (VHF Omni-Directional Range):

• • • • VOR is a critical component used for navigation.
      • It provides azimuth information (bearing) to and from ground-based VOR stations.
      • Aircraft equipment includes:
        • VOR antenna: Receives VOR signals.
        • VOR frequency selector: Allows pilots to tune in to specific VOR frequencies.
        • Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) or Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI): Displays course information based on VOR signals.

• • • DME provides accurate distance measurement between the aircraft and a ground station.
    • It calculates distance based on the time it takes for radio signals to travel.
    • Used for precise distance measurements during approaches and en-route segments.

Instrument Landing Systems (ILS):

• • • • ILS guides aircraft during approach and landing.
      • Consists of localizer (horizontal guidance) and glide slope (vertical guidance) components.
      • Pilots follow ILS signals to align with the runway centerline and descend at the correct angle.

• • • Used in conjunction with ILS to provide pilots with a
      means to determine position along and established
      route, particularly during approaches to runways.
    • Outer Marker (OM): 4 to 7 nautical miles before runway
      threshold.
    • Middle Marker (MM): 0.5 to 0.8 nautical miles before
      runway threshold.
    • Inner Marker (IM): Located at runway threshold

GPS (Global Positioning System)

• • • • GPS provides accurate position information using signals from satellites.
      • Aircraft GPS receivers calculate latitude, longitude, altitude, and groundspeed.
      • GPS is widely used for both en-route and precision approaches.

• • • Regularly testing the radio navigation systems of an aircraft is essential to its performance.
    • Test systems like the ARTS-7000 can transmit radio signals to the aircraft under test that simulate ground stations and runways.
    • These tests will ensure aircraft navigation systems are performing to spec.