AIM Text
- Voice equipped en route radio navigational aids are under the operational control of either a Flight Service Station (FSS) or an approach control facility. Facilities with two-way voice communication available are indicated in the Chart Supplement and aeronautical charts.
- Unless otherwise noted on the chart, all radio navigation aids operate continuously except during shutdowns for maintenance. Hours of operation of facilities not operating continuously are annotated on charts and in the Chart Supplement.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 1-1-12.
The short answer
This AIM section explains that voice-equipped en route radio navigation aids are operationally controlled by either a Flight Service Station (FSS) or an approach control facility, and that two-way voice availability is shown in the Chart Supplement and on aeronautical charts. As FAA advisory guidance, it also notes that NAVAIDs operate continuously except for maintenance shutdowns, with non-continuous hours annotated on charts.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Who controls a voice-equipped en route NAVAID?
The AIM states that voice-equipped en route radio navigational aids are under the operational control of either a Flight Service Station (FSS) or an approach control facility. Facilities with two-way voice communication available are indicated in the Chart Supplement and aeronautical charts.
Do radio navigation aids run all the time?
Per the AIM, unless otherwise noted on the chart, all radio navigation aids operate continuously except during shutdowns for maintenance. Hours of operation for facilities that do not operate continuously are annotated on charts and in the Chart Supplement.
Where do I find whether a NAVAID has voice capability?
The AIM directs pilots to the Chart Supplement and aeronautical charts, where facilities with two-way voice communication available are indicated.