Radio Nav 1: NDB Navaid and ADF Avionics

This manual is the first volume of the Radio Nav series published by Marques Aviation Ltd. The manual provides an overview of theoretical principles of the radio signal, the non-directional beacon (NDB) navaid and the automatic direction finder (ADF) avionics. This title contains an extensive collection of test questions and practical exercises designed for the user to attain proficiency in the use of ADF avionics, including the relative bearing indicator (RBI), rotatable-card and dual-pointer ADF indicators and radio magnetic indicator (RMI), for radio navigation.

NDB-ADF is one of the first radio navigation systems in use. The principle of the ADF is conceptually simple. However, the use of the RBI for navigation is complex. It requires correct interpretation by the student pilot to attain proficiency and regular practice by the professional pilot to remain current. The questions and practical exercises in this manual enhance your understanding of direction finding navigation and have been designed for you to carry out mental arithmetic calculations as well as promote a sense of orientation and situational awareness so that you know where the aircraft is heading and its position relative to the NDB ground station.

Contents:

REFACE
Part I – Principles of NDB-ADF operation

INTRODUCTION
  The NDB-ADF navigation system

CHAPTER 1: THE RADIO SIGNAL
  Characteristics of the radio wave
  Signal frequency
  Principles of operation of a radio system

CHAPTER 2: RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION
  Speed of propagation and wavelength
  The ionosphere
  Modes of signal propagation

CHAPTER 3: RADIO WAVE MODULATION
  Amplitude-shift keying
  Simple keyed amplitude modulation
  The beat frequency oscillator

CHAPTER 4: PRINCIPLES OF ADF OPERATION
  Radio direction finding by the null method
  The cardioid pattern
  Historical note: Aural null
  Station passage

CHAPTER 5: NDBs AROUND THE WORLD
  Types of NDB station
  NDB information
  NDBs around the world
  NDB monitoring

CHAPTER 6: USING THE ADF FOR NAVIGATION
  The ADF control panel
  Types of ADF indicator
  Magnetic bearings
  True bearings

CHAPTER 7: APPLICATIONS – INTERCEPTING TRACK AND TRACKING
  Homing and tracking
  Intercepting track
  Re-establishing track - The double track error method
  Maintaining track – Bracketing

CHAPTER 8: APPLICATIONS – POSITION FIX
  Obtaining a position fix
  Running fix and distance & time to NDB

CHAPTER 9: THE NDB APPROACH AND HOLDING PATTERN
  Procedural turns
  Types of entry to a holding pattern
  Flying a holding pattern – Correcting for drift
  Flying an NDB approach

CHAPTER 10: NDB RANGE AND ADF ACCURACY
  The transfer point
  Factors that affect the ‘range’ of the NDB
  Factors that affect the ‘accuracy’ of ADF indications

Part II – Multiple-choice questions
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
  Introduction
  Chapter 1: The radio signal
  Chapter 2: Radio wave propagation
  Chapter 3: Radio wave modulation
  Chapter 4: Principles of ADF operation
  Chapter 5: NDBs around the world
  Chapter 6: Using the ADF for navigation
  Chapter 7: Applications – Intercepting track and tracking
  Chapter 8: Applications – Position fix
  Chapter 9: The NDB approach and holding pattern
  Chapter 10: NDB range and ADF accuracy

ANSWERS MAP
ANSWERS EXPLAINED
GRAPHIC EXPLANATIONS

Part III – Practical exercises
PRACTICAL EXERCISES
  Section A: Familiarization
  Section B: Intercepting track
  Section C: Tracking inbound and outbound
  Section D: Obtaining a fix
  Section E: The NDB approach and holding pattern
  Section F: Signal disturbances

ANSWERS TO EXERCISES
REFERENCES
APPENDIX
ABBREVIATIONS
GLOSSARY
INDEX


146 illustrations
170 questions
  40 exercises