What is the initial action to take when an aircraft reports a malfunctioning ground-based NAVAID?

When an aircraft reports a malfunctioning ground-based NAVAID, the initial action should be to confirm the issue through additional means to ensure safety and accuracy of the information received. Requesting a report from another aircraft helps to verify whether the malfunction is indeed present and affects multiple flights in the area. This is crucial because relying on the report from a single aircraft may not provide a complete picture of the situation.

Once the malfunction is corroborated, appropriate measures can be taken such as notifying ground control, directing other aircraft, or providing alternative navigational instructions. This systematic approach prioritizes safety and ensures an accurate assessment of the NAVAID’s operational status.

The other options do not address the need for verification before taking further actions. While notifying the flight leader, confirming with ground control, or directing to an alternate NAVAID may become necessary steps, they should follow the initial verification from another aircraft to gather more information and avoid potential confusion or miscommunication.