interview question--formula?

[GonzoFlyer]

1. ~200, basic pencil method fix-to-fix (T-37 Instr Training)
2. Need to know TAS, formula is Drift=Crosswind*60/TAS

 

[cowchipper]

who in the world would ask that nonsense in an interview? That sounds like an oral question for the Europeans who like to talk more than fly.

so true....made me laugh thanks.

 

[Dumb Pilot]

Answer: With all due respect sir, you are in desperate need of HOBBIES.

If he laughs, that is a place you want to work for. If he doesn't, you don't want that job

 

[Andy Neill]

Question 1:
As an engineer heading = 180+arctan((20+60sin10)/(60cos10)) in no wind
As a pilot "about 210 give or take"

Question 2:
Whatever heading I am currently on if I'm tracking the 090 bearing to the station.

 

[L.A.pilot]

Question 1:

Here is a mathematically exact formula:

let (DME_1,Radial_1) = Aircraft position
and (DME_2,Radial_2) = Destination

Bearing=mod(atan2(DME_2*sin(Radial_2)-DME_1*sin(Radial_1),DME_2*cos(Radial_2)-DME_1*cos(Radial_1)),360)

The distance formula (law of cosines) a little simpler.

Distance=Sqrt(DME_1^2+DME_2^2-2*(DME_1)(DME_2)*cos(Radial_2-Radial_1))

Many scientific calculators have built in polar to rectangular conversion functions. Converting both points to rectangular, and then converting (x_2-x_1,y_2-y_1) back to polar will yield the same results.

The bearing from (20,90) to (60,190) is 207 degrees. If there's no wind and the aircraft is already flying in this direction, then that is the heading to fly. Otherwise, you must correct for wind and the aircraft turn radius.

For turn radius use this:
r=v^2/(g*tan(b))
or
radius(nm)=(TAS(kt)/262)^2/tan(bank angle)

Here are some wind triangle formulas: http://williams.best.vwh.net/avform.htm#Wind


Question 2:

As others have stated, the answer is dependent on the true airspeed, but the answer can be expressed as a simple formula since the wind is perpendicular to the course:

sin(wca)=WS/TAS
or
Heading=090-arcsin(50/TAS)

 

[regionalcap]

I know they seem like stupid questions, but these are from the delta gouge. Thanks for the help guys.