User:Johan G/Introduction to Low level VFR navigation: Difference between revisions

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(Rephrasing and adding to the intro)
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'''WORK IN PROGRESS'''
'''WORK IN PROGRESS'''


'''Low level navigation''' is the fine art of getting from point ''A'' to point ''B'' at the ''precise time'', possibly hoping to be ''unseen'', using mainly a clock, a compass, a chart and the combined skills of dead reckoning and pilotage.
'''Low level navigation''' is the fine art of getting from point ''A'' to point ''B'' at the ''precise time'', at low altitude, possibly hoping to be ''unseen'', using mainly a clock, a compass, a chart and the combined skills of dead reckoning and pilotage.
 
To actually get to point B on time requires some planning and knowledge about the aircraft, terrain and weather, and also requires the ability to adjust the plan. To get it exactly right is very rewarding as it can be a bit of a challenge if e.g. the weather shifts and your wind calculations goes out the window.


== Dead reckoning and pilotage ==
== Dead reckoning and pilotage ==

Revision as of 13:35, 18 September 2011

WORK IN PROGRESS

Low level navigation is the fine art of getting from point A to point B at the precise time, at low altitude, possibly hoping to be unseen, using mainly a clock, a compass, a chart and the combined skills of dead reckoning and pilotage.

To actually get to point B on time requires some planning and knowledge about the aircraft, terrain and weather, and also requires the ability to adjust the plan. To get it exactly right is very rewarding as it can be a bit of a challenge if e.g. the weather shifts and your wind calculations goes out the window.

Dead reckoning and pilotage

Dead reckoning is more or less the act of following, and updating, a planned "time table", while pilotage is the art of reading the map and compare it to the surrounding terrain.

  • Lower altitude: More dead reckoning required, less pilotage possible
  • Higher altitude: Less dead reckoning required, more pilotage possible.

Dead reckoning

While flying:

  1. Clock
  2. Chart
  3. Terrain

Pilotage

  • Map reading

The tools used

  • Scrap paper
  • VFR log
  • Flight computer (E6-B, CR) or similar tool
  • Straight edge and compass/ruler/plotter/combat plotter
  • Map(s), NOTAMS etc.

Planning

General work flow

  • Two ways
    • Fixed TAS
    • Fixed GS
  • Drawing route
  • Calculating timings
  • Minute marks
  • Fuel calculations
  • Diverts

Execution

  • Thumb rules

Competitions in real life

  • Precision navigation
  • Military precision navigation

More reading etc.

  • Wikipedia
  • FAA NACO
  • Chief of Naval Air Training Academy (CNATRA)

Comment

Great! I am working on Radio navigation right now. Oh, check out http://wiki.flightgear.org/Seneca_II_HOWTO#Basics_-_VFR, think you can use parts of it. (sorry for breaking into this page, remove my comments)PH-JBO 16:10, 14 September 2011 (EDT)