ATP troubles

[SATCFI]

If you have a GPS, as you intercept the localizer, go Direct to the airport. Then just match the DTK (Desired Track) with your track. Both headings show up on most GPS' one on top of the other. Instant wind correction.

 

[huncowboy]

Sadly, I have learned this just recently during my CFII training about the VOR and crossing radials. I should have known this already after my IFR rating.

Set the OBS to the radial you will need to cross. Check which side is the needle deflected. Check your current heading. Point out the heading on the rotateable scale on the VOR. If the heading is on the side where the needle is deflected to than you are getting closer to the radial, you will cross it. If it is on the other side than you are flying away from it, you have passed it.

One thing to keep in mind though is that you can fly a heading that will make you intercept/cross a radial either before or after the VOR. What this means is that you can intercept a 360 FROM before passing the VOR (you being still south of it) so you will end up intercepting/passing the 360 TO instead of 360 FROM. Therefore you can’t just pick anything on the side where the needle is for an intercept heading. So this is not the best tool to pick initial headings for intercept unless you keep this in mind. However it is perfect to find lead in radials when flying DME arcs, or visualizing your position relative to fixes on an approach or on airways. It is also great to verify an intercept heading to avoid reverse sensing.

Try it in your vrotate.com simulator, it works.

Some very simple but useful stuff about the ADF:

In straight flight when maintaining ground course

1. The head of the needle always falls.
2. The tail always raises.

Pretty basic and also obvious if you think about it but it is kind of important to say it out loud at least once. I have never thought of it this way before my CFII told me.

I have also learned a great and easy way to select the proper entry for a hold but I would have to draw something up for it. If you need it PM, I will draw it up.