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TACAN equipment on an aircraft transmits a coded signal to a ground station.
TACAN equipment on an aircraft transmits a coded signal to a ground station.
True
The ground TACAN station calculates the distance between the aircraft and the station.
The ground TACAN station calculates the distance between the aircraft and the station.
False
TACAN systems provide pilots with both bearing and distance information.
TACAN systems provide pilots with both bearing and distance information.
True
The CAA recommended TACAN as the civilian navigation standard.
The CAA recommended TACAN as the civilian navigation standard.
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VOR-DME receivers were more expensive than TACAN equipment.
VOR-DME receivers were more expensive than TACAN equipment.
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The CAA believed that VOR-DME was more flexible than TACAN because the equipment could be purchased separately.
The CAA believed that VOR-DME was more flexible than TACAN because the equipment could be purchased separately.
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TACAN systems are designed to function independently from VOR-DME systems.
TACAN systems are designed to function independently from VOR-DME systems.
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VOR-DME systems use a more advanced technique than TACAN systems for determining the distance to a ground station.
VOR-DME systems use a more advanced technique than TACAN systems for determining the distance to a ground station.
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MOCAs are designed primarily for pilots to achieve maximum altitude during flight.
MOCAs are designed primarily for pilots to achieve maximum altitude during flight.
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Pilots flying at the MOCA altitude are guaranteed proper VOR reception within 22 nautical miles of the VOR.
Pilots flying at the MOCA altitude are guaranteed proper VOR reception within 22 nautical miles of the VOR.
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Maximum Authorized Altitudes (MAAs) are necessary for ensuring ground-based radio reception signals are interference-free.
Maximum Authorized Altitudes (MAAs) are necessary for ensuring ground-based radio reception signals are interference-free.
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VOR airways are identified by the letter J if they are classified as low-altitude airways.
VOR airways are identified by the letter J if they are classified as low-altitude airways.
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Rho–rho position determination requires only a single VOR to establish the aircraft's position.
Rho–rho position determination requires only a single VOR to establish the aircraft's position.
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The VOR provides both bearing and distance information to the pilot.
The VOR provides both bearing and distance information to the pilot.
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In using airborne VOR equipment, a pilot can plot a line of position from only one VOR.
In using airborne VOR equipment, a pilot can plot a line of position from only one VOR.
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The term 'theta' is used to describe the bearing information provided by the VOR.
The term 'theta' is used to describe the bearing information provided by the VOR.
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The rho–rho method requires the aircraft to be outside the service volume of both VOR transmitters for accurate position determination.
The rho–rho method requires the aircraft to be outside the service volume of both VOR transmitters for accurate position determination.
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A VOR receiver can legally have an accuracy of ±6°, making each radial 12° wide for position determination.
A VOR receiver can legally have an accuracy of ±6°, making each radial 12° wide for position determination.
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If the two radials from VORs do not meet at right angles, position determination accuracy is improved.
If the two radials from VORs do not meet at right angles, position determination accuracy is improved.
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DME position determination techniques require the use of two stations for accurate location finding.
DME position determination techniques require the use of two stations for accurate location finding.
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The service volume of VOR transmitters influences the effectiveness of position determination methods.
The service volume of VOR transmitters influences the effectiveness of position determination methods.
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Position determination using the rho–theta method can only be performed when within the service volume of a single station.
Position determination using the rho–theta method can only be performed when within the service volume of a single station.
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When determining position, accuracy is maximized by having VOR stations positioned at angles that are not approximately perpendicular.
When determining position, accuracy is maximized by having VOR stations positioned at angles that are not approximately perpendicular.
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The minimum obstruction clearance altitude is not relevant to the functioning of VOR navigation.
The minimum obstruction clearance altitude is not relevant to the functioning of VOR navigation.
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The difference between slant range and ground distance is less significant at high altitudes near the DME ground station.
The difference between slant range and ground distance is less significant at high altitudes near the DME ground station.
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The FAA considers the slant range when determining holding-pattern sizes and intersection locations.
The FAA considers the slant range when determining holding-pattern sizes and intersection locations.
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The TACAN system operates on a longitude-based coordinate system.
The TACAN system operates on a longitude-based coordinate system.
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A conventional VOR transmitter requires a small clear zone around it to operate effectively.
A conventional VOR transmitter requires a small clear zone around it to operate effectively.
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DME ground stations can become saturated if too many aircraft transmit on different frequencies.
DME ground stations can become saturated if too many aircraft transmit on different frequencies.
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The DME system operates on a frequency of approximately 1,000 Hz.
The DME system operates on a frequency of approximately 1,000 Hz.
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Range time is calculated based on the interval of time between the transmission of a coded pulse and the reception of its reply.
Range time is calculated based on the interval of time between the transmission of a coded pulse and the reception of its reply.
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As an aircraft's altitude increases, the difference between slant range and ground distance decreases.
As an aircraft's altitude increases, the difference between slant range and ground distance decreases.
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An aircraft 5.0 ground miles from the DME station at 6,000 feet will show approximately 5.0 nautical miles on the DME indicator.
An aircraft 5.0 ground miles from the DME station at 6,000 feet will show approximately 5.0 nautical miles on the DME indicator.
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The DME equipment consists of a transponder aboard the aircraft and an interrogator on the ground.
The DME equipment consists of a transponder aboard the aircraft and an interrogator on the ground.
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The principle of distance measurement in DME is based on elapsed time measurement.
The principle of distance measurement in DME is based on elapsed time measurement.
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If the aircraft is directly over the DME station at an altitude of 30,000 feet, the DME indicator will show approximately 30.0 nautical miles.
If the aircraft is directly over the DME station at an altitude of 30,000 feet, the DME indicator will show approximately 30.0 nautical miles.
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The elapsed range time for a signal to travel 1 nautical mile and return is 12.36 nanoseconds.
The elapsed range time for a signal to travel 1 nautical mile and return is 12.36 nanoseconds.
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Very high frequency (VHF) operates within the 3-30 gHz range.
Very high frequency (VHF) operates within the 3-30 gHz range.
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Ultra high frequency (UHF) is used for both DME and TACAN communications.
Ultra high frequency (UHF) is used for both DME and TACAN communications.
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The operational frequency range of TACAN extends from 3 to 30 mHz.
The operational frequency range of TACAN extends from 3 to 30 mHz.
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Medium frequency (MF) operates between 300 and 3,000 kHz.
Medium frequency (MF) operates between 300 and 3,000 kHz.
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Extremely high frequency (EHF) is allocated for naval communication.
Extremely high frequency (EHF) is allocated for naval communication.
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TACAN is seldom used by military aircraft due to its large equipment size.
TACAN is seldom used by military aircraft due to its large equipment size.
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High frequency (HF) is primarily used for long-range communications.
High frequency (HF) is primarily used for long-range communications.
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The line of sight communication of UHF is more susceptible to reflection compared to VHF.
The line of sight communication of UHF is more susceptible to reflection compared to VHF.
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Study Notes
Airway Designators
- Minimum obstruction clearance altitudes (MOCAs) are designated along some airways, which are lower than minimum en route altitudes (MEAs)
- MOCAs are specifically for obstacle clearance
- Pilots can descend to MOCA altitude if needed, while still being guaranteed obstacle clearance
- Maximum authorized altitudes (MAAs) are sometimes assigned to high-altitude airways, providing the maximum altitude for unimpeded reception by a ground-based radio signal
- VOR airways have numbers, preceded by 'V' for low-altitude and 'J' for high-altitude
Aircraft Positioning Methods
- VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) provides bearing information (rho), not distance (theta)
- Two methods for accurate aircraft position using VORs:
- Rho-rho: bearing from two different VORs, plotted on a chart, intersection determines position
- Rho-theta: use bearing from one VOR and distance measured by another method (like DME)
- Positioning using two VOR radials (lines of position) gives greater accuracy when the radials intersect at nearly a right angle, if the angle is not close to a right angle, the area will be larger.
Minimum En Route Altitude and Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude
- Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA) defines the minimum altitude above ground level an aircraft must maintain
- Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) defines the minimum altitude above ground level for obstacle clearance, often lower than MEAs
- MOCAs and MEAs are depicted in figures 2-23
DME Position Determination
- DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) is a method to determine the distance from a station, in combination with VOR bearings, for positioning
- DME utilizes a ground-based transponder and an aircraft interrogator
- The elapsed time between signal transmission and receipt is measured to calculate the distance
- The result is the slant range (direct distance between aircraft and the ground station), not the ground distance to the station
- The difference between slant range and ground distance increases with altitude
Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN)
- TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) is a polar coordinate-based navigation system
- It uses UHF frequencies (960–1215 MHz)
- It uses a method similar to DME, but with smaller size and easier portability
- Ideal for hostile environments or temporary airfields
- The distance is displayed to pilots, using a display system similar to that used for civilian VOR-DME indicators
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts related to airway designators, including Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitudes (MOCAs) and Maximum Authorized Altitudes (MAAs). Additionally, it explores aircraft positioning methods using VOR, including rho-rho and rho-theta techniques. Brush up on your navigation skills with these crucial aviation principles!
