Communication & Navigation Systems
Communication & Navigation Systems is a core knowledge area on the AMT — Airframe FAA written exam. This hub collects our 16 in-depth, ACS-aligned communication & navigation systems articles — each written in plain English and grounded in the official FAA handbooks. Work through them below, then drill the topic with practice questions.
VHF Communication Radio Operation and Maintenance
VHF communication radios are the backbone of aviation voice communications; understanding their operation, frequency structure, and maintenance practices is essential for every AMT airframe technician.
Audio Control Panel and Interphone Systems
Audio control panels and interphone systems centralize crew communication and audio management in aircraft, allowing pilots and technicians to select, monitor, and transmit on multiple radio and navigation frequencies simultaneously.
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Types and Inspection Requirements
Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) automatically broadcast a distress signal after a crash, and FAA regulations strictly govern their types, installation, testing, and inspection intervals to ensure they function when lives depend on them.
ILS Localizer and Glideslope Receiver Systems
ILS localizer and glideslope receivers guide aircraft to the runway threshold with precision lateral and vertical guidance, combining two independent radio systems into a single cockpit instrument display.
Aircraft Antenna Types and Installation Requirements
Aircraft antennas convert electrical signals to radio waves and back; proper type selection and FAA-compliant installation are critical for system performance and airworthiness.
DME Transponder Airframe Integration and Testing
A deep dive into how DME and transponder systems are integrated into the airframe, how they interact, and the inspection and testing procedures AMT technicians must perform to keep them airworthy.
ATC Transponder Modes and Encoder Inspection (Mode C/S)
Mode A, C, and S transponders identify aircraft on radar and transmit altitude data; AMTs must understand their operation, encoder interface, and FAA inspection requirements to keep aircraft airworthy.
VOR Receiver Principles and Airframe Installation
VOR receivers translate ground-station radio signals into left/right course deviation and TO/FROM guidance; correct airframe installation ensures shielding, bonding, and antenna placement all work together for reliable navigation.
ADS-B Out System Components and Airframe Requirements
ADS-B Out broadcasts GPS-derived position, altitude, and velocity for air traffic surveillance; understanding its required components and airframe installation standards is essential for AMT certification and 14 CFR 91.227 compliance.
GPS Receiver Airframe Installation and Certification
GPS receiver installation in aircraft requires FAA-approved equipment, proper antenna placement, database currency, and conformity to TSO standards — all critical for legal IFR or VFR navigation use.
Weather Radar System Components and Waveguide Maintenance
Aircraft weather radar systems use precisely maintained waveguides, magnetrons, and antennas to detect precipitation; proper component inspection and waveguide upkeep are critical for reliable storm avoidance.
Radio Altimeter System Operation and Antenna Placement
Radio altimeters measure true height above terrain using radar pulses rather than atmospheric pressure, making antenna placement and signal integrity critical for reliable low-altitude readouts used during precision approaches and automatic landings.
SELCAL and HF Long-Range Communication Systems
SELCAL and HF long-range communication systems allow aircraft to maintain reliable voice contact over oceanic and remote routes where VHF radio fails, with SELCAL alerting crews so they don't monitor static-filled frequencies continuously.
Coaxial Cable and RF Connector Inspection and Repair
Coaxial cable and RF connector integrity are critical for reliable aircraft communication and navigation; this article covers inspection techniques, failure modes, and repair standards used by aviation maintenance technicians.
Static Discharge Wick Installation and Antenna Bonding Requirements
Static discharge wicks and antenna bonding are critical for suppressing RF interference and protecting aircraft electronics; proper installation follows strict FAA and manufacturer specifications every AMT must master.
FMS Navigation Computer Airframe Interface and Wiring
A deep dive into how the Flight Management System navigation computer interfaces electrically and mechanically with airframe wiring, sensors, and avionics buses — essential knowledge for AMT airframe certification.
More AMT — Airframe subjects
Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.