What is radio navigation?

Radio navigation refers to the technique of using radio signals to determine the position and guide the movement of an aircraft. This method involves utilizing radio aids that are either situated on the ground or within the aircraft to facilitate navigation. These aids can include ground-based stations that transmit signals and onboard equipment that receives these signals, allowing pilots to understand their location relative to navigational waypoints and airways.

This method is crucial because it allows for accurate navigation over long distances and in conditions where visual navigation may not be reliable. For example, radio beacons can provide a constant reference point that pilots can use to maintain a course or to navigate through challenging weather conditions where visibility is limited. By employing these radio aids, pilots enhance their situational awareness and improve flight safety.

In contrast, using visual markers along a route relies solely on the pilot's ability to see and identify geographical features, which may not be possible in all situations. Similarly, computing distances using wind correction factors focuses on calculating flight distances based on wind effects, which is different from the principle of navigating using signals. Estimating speeds based on previous flight data can assist in operational planning but does not relate directly to the navigation process itself.