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What is the difference between a locator beacon and a non-directional beacon (NDB)?

  • A

    Locator beacons transmit more precisely.

  • B

    Locator beacons have a higher range than NDBs.

  • C

    Locator beacons transmit on request only.

  • D

    Locator beacons have a lower range than NDBs.

The non-directional beacon (NDB) is a ground-based radio system that transmits radio energy in all directions, as the name suggests. The NDB transmits vertically-polarised signals in LF (Low Frequency) and MF (Medium Frequency).

Locator beacons and non-directional beacons (NDBs) serve different purposes in aviation navigation:

  • A locator beacon is typically used for approach assistance near airports and has a lower range, usually within a few miles of the airport, because it operates on a lower power.
  • An NDB is a type of radio beacon that provides direction-finding information to Pilots over longer distances, often extending up to hundreds of miles.

Thus, the key difference lies in their operational range. Locator beacons have a much shorter range compared to NDBs.

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