SHS3 Aviation And Aerospace Engineering · Semester 1 Week 18: Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Systems

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.2.3.LI.1 - Explain the concept of navigation (dead reckoning and position fixing).

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define navigation in the context of aerospace vehicles and distinguish it from mere movement from place to place.
Describe the two fundamental approaches to navigation: dead reckoning and position fixing.
Explain the process of dead reckoning, including the use of heading, speed, time, and starting position to estimate current position.
Explain the process of position fixing, using examples such as visual references, radio signals, and satellite signals to determine exact location.
Compare dead reckoning and position fixing, stating at least two advantages and two disadvantages of each method.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Avionics (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Systems (2.3)
Content standard: 3.2.3.CS.2 - Demonstrate an understanding of the different navigation systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. 3.2.3.LO.1 Justify which communication systems are suitable for different communication scenarios in aviation. 3.2.3.LO.2 Describe the aircraft and spacecraft navigation systems. 3.2.3.LO.3 Use illustrations to demonstrate knowledge of aerospace surveillance systems.
Indicator: 3.2.3.LI.1 - Explain the concept of navigation (dead reckoning and position fixing).
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 18 (Week 18 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 105

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Building on What Others Say: Building on students' knowledge of moving from one place to another with the aid of technologies such as compasses and GPS, discuss the different navigation technologies used by aerospace vehicles.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Google map app on a smart phone
Assessment (3.2.3.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.