Good sources for NDB/ADF work and tutorials/explanations/techniques

[Airway]

Throughout my training, from private and onwards, all of the airplanes I flew either did not have ADFs, or they were "inop." As a result, my background in this area is somewhat weaker than I'd like it to be. Whatever practice I got was in the form of a couple of brief sim sessions with my CFII (but, I got the feeling he was a little unsure himself). I've spent a lot of time scouring for good explanations and books, but haven't turned up with much. I've asked a few people, but they can't fly NDB Holds or approaches worth anything, or so they said.

So a simple question or request. I'll be utilizing my CF-II soon, and while I know enough about NDB/ADF work to get by, I'm weak here. I won't take on any IR candidates until I get this straight, even though I love everything else IFR. I was hoping some of you could either point me to some good books that have great/simple explanations on the topic (most of the books, like Jepp, are inadequate. I need detailed/simple explanations), or, if you think you can explain it better yourself, spell it out for me (we have fixed and movable cards).

Gratzi
Airway

 

[mar]

Lead with the head, drag the tail

I won't take on any IR candidates until I get this straight,...

I admire your diligence but sometimes you just gotta get out there and break a few eggs when you make an omelette.

And unfortunately reading about it isn't the best way to learn about it. You really need some good visual aids and a little practice.

That said, try to use the mnemonic "Lead with the Head, Drag the Tail".

In other words, when you're tracking *into* the station (calm wind, desired bearing 360) turn towards the head of the needle until you're back on the 360 bearing.

Vice versa, if you're tracking away from the station (same scenario) you'll want to turn *away* from the *tail* of the needle (drag the tail) until you're established on the desired bearing.

When there's wind, it's just a matter of applying your wind correction (add or subtract) to the bearing.

A bearing can be either "to" or "from" a station. Don't let this term confuse you. It doesn't mean very much but some people really get wrapped around the axle.

When you're proficient you won't need a movable card. Some people call those a "poor man's RMI." If you've never used an RMI you're missing out. It's really a wonderful instrument that simultaneously displays your mag hdg and/or bearing/radial depending on installation.

I don't know what else to say without a chalkboard and some visual aids. Try to use a desktop flight sim and give yourself some exercises (e.g. tracking bearings with crosswinds and intercepting specific bearings to and from the station).

Good luck.

 

[Kream926]

try this

http://www.visi.com/~mim/nav/

 

[Airway]

Kream, thanks that's a great tool.
(bump)

 

[MauleSkinner]

I've found that, much like many subjects, the cockpit is a bad place to teach NDB procedures.

Here's what I do...

throw an oil bottle, pop can, whatever, out on the ramp and call it an NDB.

Take or make something with a compass rose, and use a pencil as your ADF needle. Walk around the ramp "flying" ADF procedures and holds, with both terminal and non-terminal approaches. Simulate wind by walking in a crab.

I think part of the learning process with this technique is that not only do you "react" to what the ADF tells you, you also have to understand it well enough to make it do the right thing.

Looks goofy to anybody watching, but it seems to work.

Good luck!

David