Definition
The cockpit controls used to tune, select, and manage the navigation radios and navigation sources displayed on an electronic flight display. NAV controls let the pilot select VOR, ILS, GPS, or other navigation inputs, switch between active and standby frequencies, and choose which navigation source drives the course deviation indicator and flight director.
Plain English
The knobs, buttons, or softkeys the pilot uses to set up the airplane's navigation radios and choose which navigation signal the flight display follows.
Context Anchor
Seen when using an electronic flight display in instrument flying, especially when selecting navigation guidance before or during a route, course, or approach.
Why Pilots Care
Correct selection ensures the display shows accurate guidance; an incorrect source can lead to navigation errors or missed approaches.
Intuition Check
NAV controls are not flight controls. They do not directly move the airplane; they set or select the navigation information the pilot uses to guide the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the approach, the pilot used the NAV controls to tune the localizer frequency and set it as the active navigation source.
Example Sentence 2
During the hold, she used the NAV controls to center the course deviation indicator on the inbound leg.