An FMS system is capable of receiving and navigating using an NDB.

An FMS system is capable of receiving and navigating using an NDB.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not supported
• D. Only with external NDB

Answer: (B)

The ability to receive and navigate using an NDB is not provided by a modern FMS. NDBs are low-frequency beacons whose bearing is determined with an ADF instrument, separate from the FMS’s navigation inputs. The FMS typically relies on GNSS (GPS) or VOR/DME/ILS data for position and guidance, and while an NDB’s coordinates might exist in the navigation database, that does not mean the system can actively receive the NDB signal or steer to it by following the NDB beacon. In practice, you’d use ADF for an NDB bearing or load the NDB as a database waypoint, but the autopilot/FMS does not navigate solely by NDB reception. So the statement is false.

The ability to receive and navigate using an NDB is not provided by a modern FMS. NDBs are low-frequency beacons whose bearing is determined with an ADF instrument, separate from the FMS’s navigation inputs. The FMS typically relies on GNSS (GPS) or VOR/DME/ILS data for position and guidance, and while an NDB’s coordinates might exist in the navigation database, that does not mean the system can actively receive the NDB signal or steer to it by following the NDB beacon. In practice, you’d use ADF for an NDB bearing or load the NDB as a database waypoint, but the autopilot/FMS does not navigate solely by NDB reception. So the statement is false.