Nondirectional Beacon (NDB)


An L/MF or UHF radio beacon transmitting nondirectional signals whereby the pilot of an aircraft equipped with direction finding equipment can determine his/her bearing to or from the radio beacon and "home" on or track to or from the station. When the radio beacon is installed in conjunction with the Instrument Landing System marker, it is normally called a Compass Locator.

Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (definition from the 2023 edition; current: Change 1 of 7 August 2025).

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Glossary last updated 2024-07-25.