EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Training / Qualification; Time Pressure; Distraction; Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Weather
As pilot flying; we were vectored to intercept the ILS. While trying to run an approach checklist; the Captain (pilot not flying) informed me that he was unable to get any ID at all on the LOC frequency. The HSI showed a red X on both sides. We double checked our frequencies and they were correct. We informed ATC that we were not picking up the LOC and ATC replied that no one else had reported any problems. We were given a left turn back onto the downwind and were told they would vector us around again while we worked on the problem. We checked the parallel runway LOC; but didn't receive it either. I told the Captain to check a nearby VOR; and did not receive it on either side as well. The weather was BKN-OVC 010 to 020 in all of the area airport. Fuel On Board (FOB) was approximately 3;000 LBS. The Captain said we would just go into destination on an RNAV approach. I told the Captain I was not RNAV certified. After discussing the fuel; weather situation; and our lack of ability to shoot and ILS/LOC/VOR approach; we realized that we did not have much of a chance to make it anywhere within range on a visual approach. Utilizing Captain's authority; the Captain; a Check Airman and Flight Instructor; made the decision to land on an RNAV approach. An emergency was not declared with ATC. The previous leg and on approach both NAV radios functioned properly. The IMC conditions that prevailed at the time and the simultaneous failure of both NAV radios were the primary threats. No lateral or vertical deviations occurred.
Both of an EMB145's VOR's failed prior to an ILS approach and so using the Captain's emergency authority the Captain flew a GPS approach with a non qualified First Officer after considering the weather and fuel remaining.