The use of radio in the navigation and operation of civil aircraft

This paper reviews the current use of radio in meeting the operational requirements of civil aviation. Systems of navigation and communication for landing, traffic control and en-route communication and navigation are described in sufficient technical detail to enable their functions and capabilities to be appreciated, but the general purpose of the paper is to indicate the contributions made by radio to the solution of operational problems. Mention is made of V.H.F. telephony and long range H.F. air to ground working in the communication field and of GCA, ILS, and M.F. and V.H.F. radio ranges and DME, in their respective relations to approach and landing, and short-range navigation. Of the position-fixing systems, Gee, Loran, Decca and Consol are described. The use of radio point-to-point services for administration purposes is described and also the functions of international and national administrative bodies in relation to civil aviation. The future philosophy of air traffic control, in which radio will play a vital part, is described.