Navigation and
Communication Systems
Communication Systems
VHF
HF
ACARS
Secal
decoders
SATCOM
COMMUNICATION
Two types commonly used for
communication:
VHF
VHF (very high frequency) is used by air traffic control
and operates in the VHF band between 118 and 136.975
MHz
Range is 30 miles at 1000 feet
HF
HF (high frequency) used for extended range
communication operates between 2.0 and 29.999 MHz
VHF & HF Systems
Both the VHF and HF system utilize transmitters,
receivers and antennas.
Transceivers are units that include both the transmitter and
receiver in one unit.
VHF and HF systems are completely independent of each
other and utilize their own transmitters, receivers and
antennas.
VHF systems are found in any aircraft capable of two
way radio communication and are largely used for
controlling traffic.
HF systems are found in large transport category
aircraft that may need to communicate over large
distances (overseas).
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Ground waves:
Ground Waves follow the curvature of the Earth
They are low frequency carrier waves (below 2 MHz).
Sky waves:
This works for high frequency radio waves between 2 – 30 MHz.
Sky Waves are reflected off the ionosphere
Space waves:
This is for very high frequency waves (30 – 300 MHz).
Space Waves only travel in straight lines (line of sight).
ACARS (ARINC Communication Addressing
and Reporting System)
Transmits short messages from aircraft
systems to central control unit(ATC)
Two modes used
Demand mode – Flight crew transmits
Polled mode – Ground station transmits
Encoding: Next, a message is sent to a
receiver in codes or other symbols.
◦Decoding: Lastly, the receiver
translates
the codes or symbols into a
concept or information that he or she
can understand
Secal Decoder
selective-calling radio system that can alert an
aircraft's crew that a ground radio station wishes to
communicate with the aircraft
SELCAL uses a ground-based encoder and radio
transmitter to broadcast an audio signal that is
picked up by a decoder and radio receiver on an
aircraft
Used to “filter” messages on COMM
radio receivers
Aircraft
are assigned a tone
combination for selcal unit to monitor.
Secalunit alerts the crew to an
incoming radio transmission
SATCOM – Satellite
communication
Microwave signals, frequency ranges – 2 to 6 GHz
Segments:
Space segment – belongs to orbital position and speed
(LEO,MEO, Geo synchronous, Geo
stationary)
Earth segment – Ground station, user control room
Up link ,
Down link,
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Navigation Systems
VOR Radio
ADF altimeters
ILS DME
LOC GPS
GS Transponders
Marker beacons ELT
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
VOR (VHF omni-directional range)
VOR’s operate between 108.0 to 117.9 MHz
frequency band
System includes
VOR ground station or transmitter
VOR receiver in aircraft
In light aircraft this is often combined with the comm radio
Aircraft display
CDI course deviation indicator
TO/FROM indicator
OBS omni-bearing selector or course selector
ON/OFF flag to determine field strength
Antenna
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
VOR Operation
VOR station continually transmits an
infinite number of radials.
TheVOR receiver in the aircraft
receives the signal and operates the
visual indicator.
The
pilot determines the bearings of
VOR station with respect to the aircraft.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
ADF
(automatic direction finder)
Operation
TheADF receives NDB (non-directional
beacon) signals in the 19 to 535 kHz AM
broadcast low band.
TheADF display pointer (RMI or radio
magnetic indicator) will indicate the relative
bearing to the selected AM band in that
range.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
ILS
(instrument landing system)
Combination of several systems to provide pilot with
the ability to land in conditions with poor visibility.
Components
LOC (localizer)
Horizontal reference
GS (glide slope)
Vertical reference
Marker beacon
Distance from runway
Radio altimeter
Very accurate altitude measurement
DME (distance measuring equipment)
Very accurate distance measurement
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
LOC (localizer)
Combined with the VOR system
Utilizes 1 of 40 ILS channels between 108.10
to 111.95 MHz.
Operation
The ground transmitter is located at the far end of
the runway and provides a valid signal up to 18
NM
The CDI (course deviation indicator) gives full fly
left/right deviation of 700 feet at the runway
threshold.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
GS (glide slope)
Utilizes 1 of 40 channels between 329.15 to
335.00 MHz.
Operates on the same principles as the LOC.
The GS transmitter is located between 750 and
1250 ft. from the approach end of the runway and
is offset 250 to 650 ft.
The indicator is either an ADI (attitude-director
indicator) or HSI (horizontal-situation indicator).
Both indicators combine other indications for ease of
use.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Marker Beacons
Marker beacon receivers operate at 75 MHz and
sense the audio signature of 3 types of beacons.
Blue outer marker (5 miles from end of runway)
Modulated with 400 Hz
Amber middle marker (2/3 mile from end of runway)
Modulated with 1300 Hz
White inner marker (1500 feet from end of runway)
Modulated with 3000 Hz
Operation
As the aircraft flies over each maker the appropriate light will
flash and an audible sound may be heard.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Radio Altimeters
The radio altimeter provides better accuracy
then the pressure sensitive altimeters.
Operation
The transmitter sends out a VHF signal downward
then receives the reflected signal.
The transmitter-receiver unit calculates the time
needed for the signal to transmit and return to
obtain AGL (above ground level) altitude.
DH (decision height) used for instrument landings
may be incorporated in this system.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
DME
(distance measuring equipment)
Range is up to 199 NM at the high end of controlled
airspace based on line of sight with accuracy of ½
mile or 3% of the distance.
DME operates on frequencies from 962 to 1213 MHz.
Operation
The aircraft transmitter sends out paired pulses at specific
spacing.
The ground station receives the pulses and then responds
with paired pulses at the same spacing but a different
frequency.
The aircraft receiver measures the time it takes to transmit
and receive the signal which is transmitted into distance.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
GPS
(global positioning system)
Utilizes a 24 hour satellite system that is
accurate within 100 meters and is unaffected
by weather.
Has 3 independent segments
Space segment – satellites
Control segment – ground based monitoring
User segment – aircraft
Database updating and antenna maintenance
are the primary concerns to the GPS user.
Will be the most widely used system in the
near future. References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Transponders
An automatic receiver and transmitter that
can receive a signal (be interrogated) from a
ground station and send a reply back to the
station.
Used to identify aircraft on radar
Identification or squawk is 1200 for VFR flight
Squawk assigned by ATC for IFR flight
Used for emergency transmissions
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Transponder operation
Three modes of operation
Mode A
Location only, non-altitude reporting
Mode C
Location and altitude reporting
Mode S
Can do Mode A and C and also responds to
TCAS (traffic collision avoidance systems)
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
ELT
(emergency locator transmitter)
Required on all aircraft to provide a signal on crash
landings that will enable search aircraft or ground
stations to locate the aircraft.
Consists of a dual frequency radio transmitter and
battery power supply with a whip antenna.
Transmits on international distress signals of 121.5
(civil) and 243.0 (military) MHz.
Activated by impacts of 5g or more or manually.
Transmits up to 100 miles at receiver altitude of 10,000 ft for
50 continuous hours.
Located in an area of the aircraft where impact damage
will be minimal.
Tail cone area
Aft top of cabin
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
ELT Testing
Three switch positions: AUTO, OFF and ON
Testing may be done under the following
conditions:
Tune VHF COMM receiver to 121.5 MHz
Only within the first 5 minutes of an hour
Only three pulses should be activated
Listen for an audible signal when switched to ON
position
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
ELT Servicing
The battery pack must be changed in accordance with
the date stamped on the unit.
The battery pack must also be replaced or recharged
when it has been in use for more than one cumulative
hour, or when 50% of the useful life or charge has
expired.
Testing should be performed regularly.
Inspections must be made every 12 calendar months.
Regulations FAR Part 91.52
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Inspections for NAV/COMM
Equipment
System inspections
Antenna inspections
Static discharge inspections
Operational checks or any additional
inspections required by the
manufacturer
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Inspection of NAV/COMM
Systems
Inspect the condition and security of equipment
including wiring bundles.
Check for any indications of overheating in the
equipment or wiring.
Check for poor electrical bonding
Requirements are specified by the manufacturer.
Cables should be kept as short as possible, except antenna
cable which have a specific length determined in installation.
Proper bonding on the order of .003 ohms is important to the
performance of avionics equipment.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Inspection of NAV/COMM
Systems
Check instruments and radios for secure
attachment to the instrument panel.
Check that all avionics are free of dust or
contaminates.
Equipment ventilation openings must not be
obstructed.
Check all plugs, connectors, switches,
controls for operation and condition.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Inspection of NAV/COMM
Systems
Check all instruments for placards as
needed.
Check all instrument lighting and
annunciator lights for operation.
Check circuit breaker panel for placards
labeling each circuit breaker installed.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Antenna Inspection
Check for:
broken or missing antenna insulation
lead through insulators
Safety wires
Cracked antenna housing
Missing or poor sealant at base of antenna
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Antenna Inspection
Check for:
Correct installation
Signs of corrosion
Condition of paint/bonding and grounding
Bonding of each antenna from mounting
base to the aircraft skin.
Tolerance 1 ohm, maximum
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Inspection of Static
Dischargers/Wicks
Check for:
Physical security of mounting attachments,
wear or abrasion of wicks, missing wicks,
etc.
Assurance that one inch of the inner braid
of flexible vinyl cover wicks extends
beyond the vinyl covering.
Assurance that all dischargers are present
and securely mounted to their base.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Inspection of Static
Dischargers/Wicks
Check for:
Assurance that all bases are securely
bonded to the skin of the aircraft.
Any sign of excessive corrosion or
deterioration of the discharger tip.
Any lighting damage shown by pitting of
the metal base.
The ohm value of the static wick itself per
manufacturer’s instructions.
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
Additional Inspections
Transponder
Per FAR 14 Part 91.411 and 91.413
ELT
Per FAR Part 91.52
Functional
checks of all other COMM
and NAV systems per the
manufacturer’s instructions
References: Aircraft Electricity
and Electronics pg: 294-328, AC
43.13-1B Chapter 12 Section 2
