Definition
A combined avionics unit, or paired set of radios, that handles both navigation signal reception (such as VOR, ILS, or localizer) and two-way voice communication with air traffic control and other ground stations on aviation radio frequencies.
Plain English
A radio in the aircraft that does two jobs at once: it picks up signals from ground stations that help the pilot navigate, and it lets the pilot talk to controllers and other stations.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach discussions when the aircraft must have the right onboard radio equipment to receive approach guidance and maintain voice communication.
Derivation
NAV is a shortened form of navigation, a word rooted in the idea of guiding a vessel along a route. COM is a shortened form of communication, meaning the exchange of information. Together, NAV/COM points to the two radio jobs pilots commonly need: guidance and talking.
Why Pilots Care
Saves panel space and reduces workload by letting the pilot switch quickly between talking and navigating without changing units.
Intuition Check
NAV/COM does not mean one combined signal. It means one piece of equipment, or one radio setup, that handles two different jobs: navigation and communication.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the approach, the pilot tuned the NAV side of the NAV/COM to the localizer frequency and the COM side to tower.
Example Sentence 2
While on vectors, the pilot used the NAV/COM to contact approach and report the current altitude.