Non-Directional Beacons (NDB) and Automatic Direction Finders (ADF)

Objective: To familiarize the student with Non-directional Beacons and the operation of the ADF for navigation.
Content:
  • 200-415 kHz
  • See AFD for chosen NDB frequency
  • 3-letter Morse Code station ID, 2-letter station ID for Compass Locater
  • Advantage over VOR:
    • Low-medium frequencies follow curvature of Earth
      • Can receive signal within range regardless of altitude
  • Service volumes for Compass Locater, MH, H, HH
  • Disadvantages of NDB/ADF:
    • Susceptible to electrical disturbances (i.e. Lightning)
    • No Nav Flag
    • ADF only indicates bearings directly to or from the station
  • Relative Bearing, Magnetic Bearing (MB = RB + MH)
  • Tracking vs. Homing

See PHAN C. 14-22 to 14-25

Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the instructor determines that the student has adequate knowledge of NDB navigation by giving an oral or written exam and the student is able to perform navigate with reference to the ADF t to the satisfaction of the instructor and in accordance with the Practical Test Standards for the student’s stage of training.
Spruce up your comments with
<a href="" title=""><abbr title=""><acronym title=""><b><blockquote cite=""><cite><code><del datetime=""><em><i><q cite=""><strike><strong>
New comments are moderated before being shown * = required field

Leave a Comment