Line-of-Sight Propagation

In the context of aviation, Line-of-Sight Propagation refers to the transmission and reception of radio waves directly from the transmitter to the receiver without being reflected or refracted by any obstacle in the path. This concept is crucial in aviation communication systems, particularly in aircraft navigation and control. The line-of-sight propagation ensures that the radio signals transmitted from the ground station reach the aircraft without any interference, thus enabling clear and reliable communication. It is also essential in the operation of various navigation systems such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and ILS (Instrument Landing System), which rely on the direct path of radio waves for accurate aircraft positioning and landing. However, the limitation of line-of-sight propagation is that it is affected by the curvature of the Earth and other physical obstructions, which can limit the range of communication. Therefore, in aviation, the altitude of the aircraft and the height of the transmitting antenna are critical factors in ensuring effective line-of-sight propagation.