Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Systems
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Systems
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Aviation And Aerospace Engineering
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 13
Grade code: 3.2.3.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.2.3.CS.2
Indicator code: 3.2.3.LI.2
Theme: Avionics
Subtheme: Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Systems
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
This lesson explores the fascinating world of aircraft navigation. Just as we use Google Maps on our phones to find our way around Accra or from Kumasi to Tamale, pilots use special technologies to navigate the skies safely. We will examine the different methods pilots have used over the years, from simply looking out the window to using advanced satellite systems. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each technology is crucial for ensuring flight safety, efficiency, and reliability, which are vital for Ghana's growing aviation industry.
Introduction to Aircraft Navigation
Aircraft navigation is the art and science of determining an aircraft's position and guiding it along a desired path from a starting point to a destination. Unlike a car on a road, an aircraft moves in three-dimensional space, often over areas with no visible landmarks (like the ocean or desert), and in all weather conditions. Therefore, pilots rely on a variety of technologies.
We will explore four main categories of navigation technology: Pilotage and Dead Reckoning (Visual & Calculation-based) Radio Navigation (Ground-based radio signals) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (Self-contained systems) Satellite Navigation (GNSS/GPS) (Space-based signals)
Technology 1: Pilotage and Dead Reckoning