Which organization sets technical specifications for radio aids to navigation in civil aviation?

The correct answer is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to establish global standards and regulations for international air navigation and to promote the safe, secure, and orderly development of civil aviation. Among its various responsibilities, ICAO sets the technical specifications for radio aids to navigation, which are essential for ensuring safe and efficient air travel. These specifications help ensure compatibility and interoperability of navigation systems used by aircraft around the world.

ICAO develops and publishes various standards and recommended practices (SARPs) that member states are encouraged to implement. This involves the use of technologies such as VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR) systems, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), and Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which are crucial for guiding aircraft during takeoff, landing, and navigation.

In contrast, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating civil aviation in the United States, its focus is primarily on national standards and regulations rather than global specifications. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) focuses on aeronautics and space research, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is primarily concerned with transportation safety investigations and does not set technical specifications for navigation aids