Definition
Navigation conducted by reference to ground-based radio navigation aids — such as VOR, DME, NDB, TACAN, and ILS — rather than by reference to satellite-based systems like GPS or area navigation (RNAV) computed paths. In the context of airborne navigation databases, conventional means of navigation refers to the traditional NAVAID infrastructure that an aircraft can use as a backup or primary source when database-driven RNAV procedures are unavailable, unreliable, or not authorized.
Plain English
The older, ground-based way of finding your way — flying from one radio station on the ground to another using cockpit instruments that point at or measure distance from those stations. It's the navigation method that existed before GPS and onboard navigation computers became common.
Context Anchor
Seen when an instrument procedure or route cannot be used directly from the aircraft navigation database, and the pilot must use another approved way to navigate.
Derivation
Conventional' comes from the Latin 'convenire,' meaning 'to come together' or 'agree.' In modern use it means 'the established or traditional way.' Here it simply distinguishes the older, agreed-upon method of navigating by ground stations from newer satellite and computed-path methods.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots need to recognize when they must fall back to these methods because of database restrictions or equipment limitations.
Grounding Statement
The basic idea is: if the stored electronic route cannot be trusted or used, navigate from the approved chart and available navigation signals instead.
Intuition Check
Do not read “conventional” as meaning casual, old-fashioned, or less precise. In this FAA context, it means an approved non-database method of navigation using published information and available navigation aids.
Example Sentence 1
If the GPS signal is lost during the approach, the crew must be prepared to revert to conventional means of navigation using the VOR and DME shown on the chart.
Example Sentence 2
Aircraft without RNAV capability must use conventional means of navigation for the entire route.