What should be done if an airport NAVAID is inoperable?

What should be done if an airport NAVAID is inoperable?

• A. Report and monitor any inoperable
• B. Ignore until next maintenance window
• C. Shut down the affected runway
• D. Replace immediately without reporting

Answer: (A)

When a NAVAID is inoperable, the priority is to report the outage and keep track of it until it’s fixed. Reporting alerts ATC and flight operations that the facility is unavailable, so NOTAMs can be issued and pilots can use appropriate alternatives or procedures. Monitoring the situation ensures you know when maintenance has started and when service is restored, coordinating the repair and keeping operations safe and informed. Ignoring the outage until a future maintenance window leaves people unaware of the limitation and increases risk. Shutting down the affected runway is not a standard response for a single inoperable navigational aid and can unnecessarily disrupt operations. Replacing or repairing the equipment without reporting skips essential safety channels and coordination, which could create confusion and unsafe conditions.

When a NAVAID is inoperable, the priority is to report the outage and keep track of it until it’s fixed. Reporting alerts ATC and flight operations that the facility is unavailable, so NOTAMs can be issued and pilots can use appropriate alternatives or procedures. Monitoring the situation ensures you know when maintenance has started and when service is restored, coordinating the repair and keeping operations safe and informed.

Ignoring the outage until a future maintenance window leaves people unaware of the limitation and increases risk. Shutting down the affected runway is not a standard response for a single inoperable navigational aid and can unnecessarily disrupt operations. Replacing or repairing the equipment without reporting skips essential safety channels and coordination, which could create confusion and unsafe conditions.