A comparative analysis of area navigation systems for general aviation

Abstract

Within the next decade area navigation is to become the primary method of air navigation within the United States. There are numerous radio navigation systems that offer the capabilities of area navigation to general aviation operations. In this analysis the author investigates three such systems: (1) the VORTAC system; (2) the Loran-C system; and (3) the Differential Omega system. The initial analyses are directed toward a comparison of the systems with respect to their compliance to specified performance parameters and to the cost-effectiveness of each system in relation to those specifications. Further analyses lead to the development of system cost sensitivity charts, and the employment of these charts allows conclusions to be drawn relative to the cost-effectiveness of the candidate navigation systems.