LONG RANGE AREA

NAVIGATION
LORAN-C
 LORAN-C
LORAN-C is a long range navigation system
based on LF pulse transmissions.
The ground stations consist of a chain of master
and secondary stations which form a network.
The receiver measures the time difference
between signal transmission and reception to
calculate distance.
A signal from a master station and at least two
secondary stations is required to calculate
position.
The master station transmits a pulse signal which triggers
transmission in the secondary stations. Two synchronized
secondary stations provide hyperbolic lines of position. The
receiver calculates time from each station to place itself along
one of these lines (LOP). The addition of the master station
signal allows the receiver to fix its position.
 COVERAGE
LORAN-C coverage encompasses the US
including Alaska, most of Mexico and the
Caribbean.
The southern areas of Canada are covered
but signal reception is unpredictable.
Signal reception from transmitters can
range from 120nm to 900nm depending on
conditions.
GLOBAL LORAN-C COVERAGE
 ERRORS
There are several inexpensive receivers
available however they are subject to
navigation errors.
Receivers may lock onto sky waves or
erroneous signals without warning causing
large errors.
Although accuracy is normally 0.25nm
errors of 8nm are common and up to 15nm
have been reported.
 The distance from the transmitters and the
geometry between the receiver and
transmitters can affect accuracy.
Terrain also affects system accuracy.
Transmission over water is the most
accurate while over ground transmissions
are subject to changes in the earths
conductivity.
 Signals are also subject to interference from
power lines, LF transmissions, precipitation
static.
The failure of one transmitter can leave a
large area without signal coverage.
The system gives no warning to the pilot if
the signals are giving an inaccurate position.
 LIMITATIONS
Due to the many possible errors inherent
with the system it is restricted to limited IFR
use.
It may be used for en-route IFR navigation
subject to certain limitations and conditions.
It is functional as a VFR navigation tool.
 FUTURE
The advent of GNSS has all but extinguished
LORAN-C as a viable navigation system.
The cost of GPS receivers make them accessible
to general aviation consumers.
The accuracy and integrity of GNSS greatly out
performs LORAN-C.
The only way you will fly with LORAN-C is in an
aircraft with a receiver installed prior to the
emergence of GNSS.