What is a radio fix?

• A. A Position Fix Derived From Ranges and Bearings to Radio Navigational Aids or Signals.
• B. A Rough Estimate of Position Based on Landmarks.
• C. A Fix Obtained From Star Observations.
• D. A Fix Computed From Time Since Last Fix.

Answer: (A)

Radio fix means determining your exact position by using signals from radio navigation aids. You measure how far you are from a known beacon (range) and the direction to that beacon from your position (bearing). Since the beacon’s location is known, the range creates a circle around the beacon, and the bearing creates a line of position. The intersection of these lines or circles from at least two beacons gives your precise location. In practice, devices like VOR/DME or other radio navigation aids provide either bearing, distance, or both, and crossing the lines of position from multiple signals yields the fix. This approach relies on radio signals rather than landmarks, celestial observations, or dead reckoning from time alone.