NDB
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Non-directional beacon |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
NDB stands for Non-directional beacon, an aviation abbreviation.
Low- or medium-frequency radio transmitter sending a signal in all directions, which a cockpit automatic direction finder uses to point toward the station. NDBs are cheap and long-range but prone to errors from thunderstorms, terrain, shorelines and nighttime sky waves.
Example: The only approach at the island strip is an NDB approach with a minimum descent altitude of 900 feet.
Usage notes
In North America NDBs operate between 190 and 535 kHz. Low-power NDBs colocated with ILS outer markers are called compass locators. Many have been decommissioned in the US and Europe, but they remain in remote parts of Canada, Africa and the Pacific. Pilots must monitor the Morse identifier because older receivers give no failure warning.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- METAR – Meteorological Aerodrome Report
- MFD – Multi-function display
- MRO – Maintenance, repair and overhaul
- MSL – Mean sea level
- MTOW – Maximum takeoff weight
- MVFR – Marginal visual flight rules
- NOTAM – Notice to Air Missions
- PAPI – Precision approach path indicator
- PAX – Passengers
- PFD – Primary flight display
- PIC – Pilot in command
- PIREP – Pilot report