Navigational Aid/Navaid
A navigational aid (navaid) is any visual or electronic facility on the ground, on water, or on objects that aids aerial navigation — specifically, identifying a position, establishing a route, or supporting approaches and landings. Navaids are the ground infrastructure that enables IFR navigation.
Types of Navaids
- VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range): Provides magnetic bearing TO or FROM the station; short-to-medium range; primary en route navaid
- VORTAC: VOR co-located with TACAN (military); provides VOR bearing and DME distance
- DME (Distance Measuring Equipment): Provides slant range distance from the station
- NDB (Non-Directional Beacon): LF/MF radio beacon; ADF receiver determines bearing TO the station
- ILS (Instrument Landing System): Precision approach; localizer (lateral) + glide slope (vertical)
- GPS/GNSS: Satellite-based positioning; primary modern navigation source
Navaid Decline
Canada has been decommissioning ground-based navaids (particularly NDBs and some VORs) as GPS/GNSS becomes the primary navigation source. Always check NOTAMs and the CFS for the operational status of any navaid you plan to use.