A flight management system (FMS) is not a navigation system in itself. Rather, it is a system that automates the tasks of managing the onboard navigation systems. FMS may perform other onboard management tasks, but this discussion is limited to its navigation function. FMS is an interface between flight crews and flightdeck systems. FMS can […]
Flight Management Systems (FMS) | Navigation Systems Read Post »
RNP is a navigation system that provides a specified level of accuracy defined by a lateral area of confined airspace in which an RNP-certified aircraft operates. The continuing growth of aviation places increasing demands on airspace capacity and emphasizes the need for the best use of the available airspace. These factors, along with the accuracy
Required Navigation Performance | Instrument Flying Read Post »
Most navigation systems approved for en route and terminal operations under IFR, such as VOR, NDB, and GPS, may also be approved to conduct IAPs. The most common systems in use in the United States are the ILS, simplified directional facility (SDF), localizer-type directional aid (LDA), and microwave landing system (MLS). These systems operate independently
Instrument Approach Systems | Navigation Systems Read Post »
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a constellation of satellites providing a high-frequency signal that contains time and distance that is picked up by a receiver thereby. [Figure 1] The receiver that picks up multiple signals from different satellites is able to triangulate its position from these satellites. Figure
Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) The nondirectional radio beacon (NDB) is a ground-based radio transmitter that transmits radio energy in all directions. The ADF, when used with an NDB, determines the bearing from the aircraft to the transmitting station. The indicator may be mounted in a separate instrument in the aircraft panel. [Figure 1] The ADF
Traditional Navigation Systems | Instrument Flying Read Post »
A radio wave is an electromagnetic (EM) wave with frequency characteristics that make it useful. The wave travels long distances through space (in or out of the atmosphere) without losing too much strength. An antenna is used to convert electric current into a radio wave so it can travel through space to the receiving antenna,
This section covers the communication equipment, communication procedures, and air traffic control (ATC) facilities and services available for a flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) in the National Airspace System (NAS). Contents Communication Equipment Communication Procedures Communication Facilities ATC Inflight Weather Avoidance Assistance Approach Control Facility and Approach Control Advances
Attitude instrument flying in helicopters is essentially visual flying with the flight instruments substituted for the various reference points on the helicopter and the natural horizon. Control changes, required to produce a given attitude by reference to instruments, are identical to those used in helicopter visual flight rules (VFR) flight, and pilot thought processes are
Using Analog Instrumentation Instrument flying techniques differ according to aircraft type, class, performance capability, and instrumentation. Therefore, the procedures and techniques that follow need to be modified to suit individual aircraft. Recommended procedures, performance data, operating limitations, and flight characteristics of a particular aircraft are available in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM) for
Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers | Instrument Flying Read Post »
Advances in technology have brought about changes in the instrumentation found in all types of aircraft, including helicopters. Electronic displays commonly referred to as “glass cockpits” are becoming more common. Primary flight displays (PFDs) and multi-function displays (MFDs) are changing not only what information is available to a pilot but also how that information is
Changing Technology | Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying Read Post »
