Aeroplane Navigation Principles: Latitude and Longitude

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Questions and Answers

What is the measurement of latitude?

Angular distance in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian

Angular distance in degrees north or south of the equator (correct)

Angular distance in degrees above the horizon

Angular distance in degrees around the Earth's circumference

What is the location of the North and South Pole in terms of latitude?

180 degrees north and south latitude

0 degrees north and south latitude

90 degrees north and south latitude (correct)

45 degrees north and south latitude

What is the characteristic of latitude lines?

They converge at the poles

They are perpendicular to each other

They are numbered in a sequential order

They are parallel to each other (correct)

What is the zero circle in longitude?

The Prime Meridian Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the International Date Line?

To define one calendar day from another Signup and view all the answers

Why do we use an angular distance instead of a straight distance to measure from a point of origin?

Because the Earth is round Signup and view all the answers

What frequency does the marker beacon antenna operate on?

75 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What type of indicator shows lateral deviation and vertical deviation with respect to an aircraft symbol?

Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the marker beacon indicator?

The marker beacon over which the aircraft is passing Signup and view all the answers

Where is the marker beacon antenna usually fitted on the aircraft?

At the bottom of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is displayed whenever the information supplying a function becomes unreliable?

A warning flag Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) indicators?

To provide navigation information during instrument landing Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the VOR presentation mode where the pilot can select a specific radial?

Manual VOR Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)?

To measure the slant range from a ground-based station Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of operation of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)?

Timing the delay between transmitting and receiving signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the VOR presentation mode where the VOR information is displayed on a Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)?

Automatic VOR Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical usage of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) during flight operations?

During landing and takeoff Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) ground station?

It can respond to interrogation signals from multiple aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of barometric altimeters?

Incorrect reference setting Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a worldwide information base in aviation?

To store information about waypoints and airways Signup and view all the answers

How do radio altimeters measure the height of an aircraft?

By using radio waves to measure distance from the terrain Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between pulsed systems and Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave systems?

Pulsed systems are used for radar altimeters, while FMCW systems are used for radio altimeters Signup and view all the answers

Why is a barometric altimeter reading of 3000 feet relatively worthless in a mountainous area?

Because the peaks in the area vary from 2500 to 3500 feet Signup and view all the answers

How often is the worldwide information base updated by maintenance personnel?

Every 28 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical color code for the outer marker in an Instrument Landing System?

Blue Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the VOR/LOC converter in an ILS receiver?

To develop localizer and glideslope deviation and flag signals Signup and view all the answers

How many satellites are used in the Navstar Global Positioning System?

21 Signup and view all the answers

What is the altitude of the GPS satellites above the Earth's surface?

20 200 km Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the original development of the GPS system?

For military use Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication of the horizontal bar on the ILS indicator?

Glide slope deviation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

VOR System

VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) can operate in two display modes: automatic and manual.
Automatic mode presents VOR information on the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI).
In manual VOR, pilots select specific radials for navigation.

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)

DME measures slant range from ground-based stations, important for landing and takeoff.
The device works by timing the response of the UHF signal sent to the station; longer delays indicate greater distance.
DME ground stations can manage multiple aircraft signals simultaneously.

Marker Beacon Antenna

Operates at 75 MHz, typically located on the underside of the aircraft.
Used for identifying marker beacons during flight.

Instrument Landing System (ILS) Indicators

ILS information can be shown on HSIs, Attitude Director Indicators (ADIs), EADI/EHSIs, and Head-up Guidance Systems (HGSs).
These indicators convey localizer (lateral) and glideslope (vertical) deviations, with warning flags for unreliable data.

Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI)

An advanced form of indicator displaying critical flight data, integrated into modern cockpit designs.

Marker Beacon Indicators

Feature three color-coded lights indicating the type of marker beacon—outer (blue), middle (amber), and inner (white).

Altimeter Systems

Barometric altimeters measure altitude based on local air static pressure, but can mislead in mountainous regions.
Radio altimeters use radio waves to determine height above terrain, offering more accurate readings.

Latitude measures angular distance north or south of the equator, with poles at 90°.
Longitude is based on the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, with lines measured east and west; the International Date Line (IDL) marks the shift of calendar days.

Plotting Positions on Earth

Positioning accounts for Earth's curvature, using angular measurements from a defined origin.

Instrument Landing System (ILS) Functionality

Some ILS equipment integrates with VOR and communications receivers, providing localizer and glideslope deviation readings.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Initially developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, now utilized for civilian applications.
Operates with a constellation of 24 satellites at approximately 20,200 km altitude, with 21 in active use and 3 as spares.

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Description

Test your understanding of navigation principles in aeroplane operations, including latitude and longitude measurements and their importance in aviation. This quiz covers key concepts related to parallels, equator, and angular distance. Review your knowledge of aeroplane aerodynamics, structures, and systems with this quiz!