NAV/COMM

A NAV/COMM combines a full COMM transmitter and receiver with a VOR/ILS navigation receiver in one panel-mount box. One unit handles radio calls to ATC on the COMM side and tracks VOR radials or ILS localizer and glideslope signals on the NAV side. This keeps the avionics panel compact, which matters in smaller trainers where panel real estate is limited.

WAAS-capable versions of the same concept, like the Garmin GTN series, go further by integrating a GPS navigator as well, effectively combining a standalone WAAS GPS, a NAV radio, and a full COMM transceiver into a single box. Standalone NAV radios are increasingly uncommon as a result.