Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
From the 1920's to 1950's the main way that aircraft navigated across the US was using the audio cues from the Low Frequency Radio Range system, or, 4 way beacons. These specialized antennae would emit a radio signal that varied depending on your location relative to the beacon, so you would hear different audio cues that would help guide them onto airways which were safe for cross country navigation. This system used morse code beeps which would merge into a continuous tone when you were on the airway, so they only needed a radio rather than a dedicated piece of navigation hardware.
There's a fantastic website devoted to this technology and its history.
flyingthebeams.com
It also includes maps showing locations of the remnants of the old system so you can find what's left of the local station that steered air traffic safely to their destination.
The browser game lets you fly a range with the audio cues, it's a good way to understand what a pilot would be listening for
illectro.github.io/lfrgame.html
The real world simulator page is here, you'll have to adjust scale and altitude depending on whether you're flying, driving, or walking.
illectro.github.io/real-world-lfr-navigator.html
Follow me on Twitter for more updates:
twitter.com/DJSnM
I have a discord server where I regularly turn up:
discord.gg/zStmKbM
If you really like what I do you can support me directly through Patreon
patreon.com/scottmanley
From the 1920's to 1950's the main way that aircraft navigated across the US was using the audio cues from the Low Frequency Radio Range system, or, 4 way beacons. These specialized antennae would emit a radio signal that varied depending on your location relative to the beacon, so you would hear different audio cues that would help guide them onto airways which were safe for cross country navigation. This system used morse code beeps which would merge into a continuous tone when you were on the airway, so they only needed a radio rather than a dedicated piece of navigation hardware.
There's a fantastic website devoted to this technology and its history.
flyingthebeams.com
It also includes maps showing locations of the remnants of the old system so you can find what's left of the local station that steered air traffic safely to their destination.
The browser game lets you fly a range with the audio cues, it's a good way to understand what a pilot would be listening for
illectro.github.io/lfrgame.html
The real world simulator page is here, you'll have to adjust scale and altitude depending on whether you're flying, driving, or walking.
illectro.github.io/real-world-lfr-navigator.html
Follow me on Twitter for more updates:
twitter.com/DJSnM
I have a discord server where I regularly turn up:
discord.gg/zStmKbM
If you really like what I do you can support me directly through Patreon
patreon.com/scottmanley
