NavigationRadio Navigation Aids

Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)

A non-directional beacon (NDB) is a ground-based radio transmitter that broadcasts radio energy in all directions on the LF/MF frequency bands. Aircraft equipped with an automatic direction finder (ADF) use these signals to determine the relative bearing to the station for tracking and position fixing.

Key Points

  • •Provides lateral azimuth guidance via relative bearings to the station.
  • •Susceptible to errors including coastal refraction, mountain effect, and thunderstorm interference.
  • •Used to establish position lines and intercept tracks to or from the beacon.

Exam Relevance

Students must understand NDB tracking principles, relative bearings, and how to recognize associated errors like coastal refraction or thunderstorm interference.

Related Terms

vhf omnidirectional rangedistance measuring equipmentcoastal refraction

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Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) | The Pilot Exam