Avionics -
Navigation /
Communication
Aircraft Communications
Pilot's communicate with Air Traffic Control on a Two-Way radio in the VHF frequency
spectrum, 118.000 to 135.975 Mhz. In North America the 'channels' are separated
by 25 Khz providing 760 communication 'channels'.
Usually aircraft have at least 2 comm radios. Usually the radios are identical to
provide the pilot with commonality in operation. The radio is standard simplex operation
using the same frequency for both receiving and transmitting.
Most aircraft and helicopters have an intercom system allowing the pilot and copilot
to communicate with each other. Some intercoms are hands free with a voice activated
intercom, others require the crew members to 'push-to-talk'. The intercom is a critical
link in the cabin communication equation. We recommend and install only the best
TSO'd intercoms.
Installation Issues
The most variable part of the communication radio installation is the antenna. The
antenna is installed in one of the world's harshest environments. The sealing of
the antenna to the aircraft skin is critical. Any moisture allowed under the base
of the antenna is the first ingredient of corrosion. Corrosion under the antenna
first of all goes un-noticed during inspections with obvious structural ramifications,
secondly degrades the bonding of the antenna. This bonding is as important as the
radiating element. Without a good bond the radiated signal has no reference. Reflected
signals are increased reducing the amount of radiated power, and possibly damaging
the final stages of the radio transmitter.
Aircraft Navigation
Consisting of:
- VOR (VHF Omni Range)
- ILS (Instrument Landing System)
- ADF (Automatic Direction Finder)
- GPS (Global Positioning System)
- LORAN C (Long Range Navigation 'C').
The navigation system on board our aircraft may have one or all of the components
listed above. Aircraft operations in IMC will obviously necessitate safer navigation
systems.
Our technicians understand that whether IFR or VFR the lives of the flying public
depend upon the serviceability of the aircraft navigation system. Our policy is
to return the unit under test to the original manufacturer's specifications. We
do not take any liberties in design or calibration, or take any short-cuts in calibration
procedures. We use only the latest revision of the OEM Component Maintenance Manual,
and the recommended, in-calibration, avionics test equipment to service your equipment.
GPS is the latest game in world-wide navigation. We have stepped up to the plate
and procured the latest test equipment to support GPS service. With this test equipment
we can now test the receiver sensitivity of the GPS receivers. This is unique since
the GPS signal levels are below the normal noise floor of the earth's atmosphere.
We also have facilities to re-radiate the GPS signals within our shops to test real-time
the capabilities of the GPS systems to track all visible SV's (Space Vehicles).