#FLIGHTGEAR RADIO TUTORIAL MANUAL#
#FLIGHTGEAR RADIO TUTORIAL CODE#
#FLIGHTGEAR RADIO TUTORIAL SIMULATOR#

With two VOR stations we receive two radials.From that we use the map, a compass rose and a ruler to pinpoint the position. It gives the radial we are crossing and the distance to the station. We need tune in to just one VOR-DME to pinpoint our position.(in FlightGear the identity can be found in the property tree at /instrumentation/nav/nav-id) That identity gives a good clue where we are on the map but we have to pinpoint our position before we can navigate any further.

#FLIGHTGEAR RADIO TUTORIAL CODE#

Lucky most radio beacons tell their identity, in Morse code or in other ways. Going further on the way it is possible to get lost so it is important to figure out where we are if we get lost. We always start from an airport, we know where it is on the map. Position finding with NDB, VOR and VOR-DME For long tracks without radio beacons nearby (and no GPS) it is the only way to navigate. Even with the navigational tools that are available today we rely on this method without knowing it. If there is a good compass and the ground speed is known it is even possible to do some navigation with this method. If you know where you are and how fast you move you can predict where you will be after some time. Always check if the VOR provides a radial before using it for automated flight.ĭead reckoning ( DR) is a technique we use every day in many situations. Sometimes a VOR station does not operate as expected and will behave as a NDB.Always be sure to know the identity of a station before using it. The strongest signal is not always the nearest. Our equipment will tune into the signal that is strongest. Often there are radio beacons near each other that transmit on the same frequency.For approach and landing there is no replacement for radio beacons. If the GPS fails the course is back on radio beacons. Satellite navigation (GPS) is taking over parts of radio navigation but each pilot will base their primary course on radio beacons and then use the GPS. With a non-directional beacon ( NDB) station we use the heading bug, with a VHF omni-directional range ( VOR) station we select the radial to use and the autopilot keeps us on that course. Our aircraft have an autopilot and radio beacons are ideal for automated flight. The time that a pilot had to fly with the yoke in their hands all the time has long been passed. Radio beacons are placed near airports, can be aligned with runways and can be placed in remote areas so to mark a route over them. The position of radio beacons is clearly marked on navigation maps. Radio beacons can be seen with the right equipment, from far away and independent of the weather. Another useful document is the Propliner Tutorial which discusses navigational methods from the early pioneering years of aviation until the end of propliner era.Instead of relying on visual landmarks (such as roads, rivers, churches, and towns) for navigation under visual flight rules ( VFR), radio navigation relies on radio beacons and is therefore a critical part of instrument flight rules ( IFR).

#FLIGHTGEAR RADIO TUTORIAL SIMULATOR#

A very comprehensive website teaching the concepts and history of navigation by navigational aids ( navaids) is Flight Simulator Navigation maintained by Charles Wood.

SkyVector Simulator Flight Planning map tool.

Radio navigation and similar ( tutorial from the FlightGear Manual)Įxternal links On-line navigational tools.Just imagine flying through a cloud or at night. Instrument navigation is needed, when you do not have any external references, that you can use for orientation.

The view outside is not necessary at all.

#FLIGHTGEAR RADIO TUTORIAL MANUAL#

This includes more planning and using the compass and a clock to keep track of what terrain or man-made features you can expect to come next, were to turn to the next heading etc.Ī very good VFR-tutorial can be found in the FlightGear Manual and (written for the Seneca II) here.įor instrument navigation you can rely completely on your instruments and radio beacons. If the timing is important you also bring in dead reckoning. Visual navigation in its easiest way, often called pilotage, just means looking out of the window and comparing the outside with a map or with what you know about the area. Visual navigation See also pilotage and dead reckoning.

Flightgear radio tutorial