Questions tagged [ifr-navigation]
Questions about navigating under Instrument Flight Rules
91
questions
4
votes
1answer
185 views
How do you realign a directional gyro in an area of magnetic unreliability?
The primary means of determining heading in most small aircraft is the directional gyro, as this instrument is unaffected by the magnetic dip errors that cause a magnetic compass to give the wrong ...
1
vote
1answer
77 views
What are all the different ways pilots can navigate?
What are all the different ways pilots can navigate? What are they in simple terms and their unique advantages/disadvantages?
EX:
Dead-reckoning?
VOR?
GPS?
ATC Directives?
Others?
6
votes
2answers
244 views
Does the radial needle of a HSI automatically deflect to the correct position when tuning the NAV radio to a localizer / ILS?
At least on small aircraft, the HSI is slaved to the NAV1 radio. The NAV1 radial is selected with a small knob of the HSI. Now, when I want to fly an ILS approach I don't need to set a radial myself ...
3
votes
2answers
189 views
Symbol found on an IFR low chart
I see this symbol on an IFR low chart, can someone tell me what it is?
4
votes
1answer
472 views
Where is the V3 airway mentioned on the ILS 34 approach plate for KPSM?
While drafting a simple flight plan for KBOS to KPSM, I noticed that the ILS 34 Approach plate for KPSM mentioned that the procedure turn is "NA for arrivals at PSM VOR/DME on V3 northbound":...
2
votes
1answer
116 views
If I'm cleared for the approach while established in a hold, can I turn inbound immediately?
If you are established in holding and on an outbound leg (say you are 30 sec outbound on a 1 min or 3.5nm on a 7nm leg) and you are subsequently “cleared approach,” are you allowed to immediately turn ...
8
votes
2answers
2k views
Does an IFR flight-plan include the approach?
I tried to create an IFR flight plan (at simbrief.com) and there is something I don't get:
Are we supposed to know the runway/approach at the destination airport before taking-off, and add it to the ...
6
votes
1answer
171 views
Why would there be two RNAV waypoints co-located with a VOR?
Similar to this question but more so!
The Enroute H-5 chart shows two RNAV waypoints over Spinner VORTAC (SPI): SOHOW and USIRE. Neither waypoint appears on the Low IFR charts, nor on the VFR charts.
...
2
votes
1answer
737 views
What does an "X flagged" VOR mean on an en-route IFR chart?
Source: skyvector.com
Maybe I'm looking at the wrong sections / using wrong keywords in the chart user's guide.
4
votes
1answer
191 views
If I have a VOR receiver and a GPS, which should I use to navigate VOR airways?
FAR 91.181a states that aircraft on ATS routes shall be flown along the route centerline. I would like a clarification regarding VOR airways. I have a GPS and a VOR receiver, and usually when I fly ...
4
votes
2answers
166 views
Are VOR airways being replaced by RNAV routes as VORs are decommissioned?
I understand that VORs in the US and elsewhere are being removed from service gradually. The FAA plans to maintain a Minimum Operational Network, but still I imagine many VOR airways will also have to ...
2
votes
3answers
730 views
Is it legal to use GPS to navigate VOR Airways?
A previous question concludes that it is legal to fly an aircraft in the US with only an IFR-approved GPS/WAAS system and no other navigation equipment on an IFR flight plan. My question is about how ...
2
votes
1answer
178 views
What are these shaded areas?
What are these shaded areas? I looked in the Jeppesen legend, but couldn't find the answer. Thanks
2
votes
4answers
356 views
Selecting radials for radial interception
I’m a beginner in intrument flying so sorry for my ignorance. Few months ago I was doing BIR training and with my CFI we were intercepting radials, we were doing that on HSI (Garmin G500).
He told me ...
2
votes
1answer
142 views
What do EU pilots use for IFR enroute charting (besides Jeppesen)?
Is there something equivalent to FAA IFR enroute charts for the EU, where you can see published routes, holds, minimum altitudes, etc? I can find terminal area procedures in the AIPs, but the ...
1
vote
2answers
276 views
Do I need to call Clearance Delivery for IFR Practices when taking off from a D airport?
I have the following question:
If I am going to practice IFR approaches under VFR, do I need to contact clearance delivery for that or it's enough to contact ground and state my intentions?
I would ...
2
votes
1answer
225 views
Can I fly the LNAV MDA when the GPS is set up for LPV?
I am going to do my CFII checkride in a few weeks and my DPE wants to do RNAV approaches to satisfy the Non-Precision and Precision approaches tasks on the PTS/ACS.
According with the Instrument ACS ...
5
votes
2answers
411 views
Why might DTK on GPS not match depicted course on approach plate?
I hope this isn't a dumb question, but I haven't flown a whole lot of GPS approaches and today I observed something that I cannot explain: There was a 2 degree split between the Desired Track (DTK) ...
1
vote
1answer
137 views
How to navigate onto VOR RWY 18 approach at KDEC?
Maybe a dumb question. I've seen a few places where a VOR approach doesn't have an obvious (to me) way to get lined up inbound without radar vectors.
Say you don't have GPS and you're navigating with ...
0
votes
1answer
142 views
What do the Airway Letters and the following numbers mean? [duplicate]
For example, from RCTP - ZGGG the route is AJENT MKG A1 ANPOG R200 GLN W22 IDUMA via the AJENT SID to the IDUMA STAR. What does "A1 or R200 or W22" mean? Are they just randomly allocated letters with ...
0
votes
1answer
246 views
What is meant by Manual Tuning of ADF/NDB using BFO? [duplicate]
As NDB transmission is either N0NA1A(requires BFO to be turned on for Manual Tuning, Identification and Monitoring) or N0NA2A(BFO turned on only for Manual Tuning).
My question is what exactly is ...
7
votes
2answers
219 views
When to start descent entering a racetrack under NORDO?
Scenario:
I am flying in IMC, and communications fail completely. IMC persists up until destination, where I will be conducting the following instrument approach:
I am flying direct to ZUNAD from the ...
9
votes
4answers
5k views
What should a pilot flying IFR in IMC and on final, do if the vacuum system fails?
Talking about small aircraft here, assuming the pilot is stable and ready to land, they’re flying IFR and the visibility is nonexistent, but that’s alright because he’s currently IFR! But then the ...
asked Jan 31 '20 at 7:44
George Clooney In a Mooney
4,3412 gold badges20 silver badges48 bronze badges
1
vote
3answers
1k views
What stops a pilot from flying VFR and going IFR?
Even if the pilot is instrument rated, what stops them from doing it anyway? I’d imagine in certain situations where danger is approaching, it may be best to switch to IFR, it can’t be that hard to ...
asked Jan 28 '20 at 19:23
George Clooney In a Mooney
4,3412 gold badges20 silver badges48 bronze badges
1
vote
1answer
252 views
What are the implications of Visual Descent Angle Not Authorized (VDA NA)?
On some non-precision approach plates, there is a VDA/TCH mark. My understanding of it is information-only. If you pass its starting fix at the charted altitude and maintain the given descent angle, ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Can I file IFR DIRECT with a non-WAAS GPS?
The AIM 1-1-17 2 (a) states:
Aircraft using un-augmented GPS (TSO-C129() or TSO-C196()) for
navigation under IFR must be equipped with an alternate approved and
operational means of navigation ...
2
votes
1answer
302 views
Does EASA allow using a portable GPS for RNAV capability?
Assume an older IFR-certified aircraft with the classical equipment, that is two VOR/ILS receivers with plain CDIs, ADF and DME, but no GPS. It can be flown IFR, but many routes can't be used, because ...
0
votes
1answer
367 views
Does the term track guidance apply only to conventional procedures?
In ICAO's 8160 "Aircraft Operations" manual there is a term called "track guidance", for which I can not find any clear definition.
A few examples:
Departure Procedures 3.1
3.1.1 There are ...
2
votes
1answer
678 views
Does a GPS OBS selector use magnetic or true courses?
Under GPS navigation, when we are using the OBS to tune courses. Are these courses magnetic or true?
3
votes
1answer
626 views
Are there any IFR training plugins / addons for Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane?
I am an IFR student, looking for software/plugins/add-ons/extensions to either Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane to enhance the IFR training experience.
Specifically, I was wondering if there was ...
1
vote
1answer
639 views
Question about CDI/OBS and HI [duplicate]
Could somebody please explain me the differences between using the OBS and the Heading Indicator? As much as I could understand, once you tune into the VOR, the OBS starts to show how much deflection/ ...
1
vote
2answers
281 views
Distance to the runway/ touchdown point
Trying to learn about aviation, and looking through all the displays in the cockpit, and also the Garmin G1000, I am not sure where I see the distance to the runway touchdown point, or the start of ...
0
votes
3answers
165 views
Why is it necessary to fly in visual conditions to certain unmanned airstrips?
I have come across certain unmanned airstrips where only VFR flight is allowed not IFR? I wonder what can be the possible reasons for that?
4
votes
1answer
119 views
Is the "auto-routing" created by online flight planning resources preferred by ATC over Direct routing when NO preferred route exists?
I noticed that when I use online flight planning resources, they provide an "auto-routing" option for my flight. I also noticed that they are the same between both services so it seems like both are ...
2
votes
2answers
444 views
Is it ever allowed to list your destination airport as the IFR alternate too?
Is it legal (in certain conditions) to have your primary airport of intended landing, also listed as the alternate?
4
votes
1answer
2k views
Why do TACANs not have a symbol for compulsory reporting on IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts?
I am studying the IFR Enroute Low Altitude legend, and I noticed that all NAV Aids other than TACAN have a compulsory reporting point icon.
They do appear on the STAR/DP legend.
Why do TACANs not ...
2
votes
2answers
344 views
Is it possible to fly VFR above the IMC floor or VFR-On-Top without a specifically filed route, both using an IFR flight plan to go through IMC?
*Note, I'm not trying to recommend this, but I am curious if it can be done.
In this question, Steve V.'s answer made me wonder about this:
One time during my commercial training, my instructor and ...
2
votes
0answers
32 views
Does a Navigation Specification characterize all legs of a terminal procedure?
I am studying the different parts of Instrument Flight Procedures, as they are described by FAA's manuals, such as the Aeronautical Information Manual, TERPS and Performance Based Navigation. For ...
2
votes
1answer
9k views
What is difference between TAA and MSA?
I know the 'TAA' usually used in RNAV chart, but sometimes it can be used in ILS chart as well. (When defining an IF, GPS is solely methods)
but While I'm studying, I can't find exact difference ...
1
vote
1answer
92 views
Are there any non-bureaucratic hurdles preventing more widespread adoption of synthetic vision?
Occasionally, a flight will encounter bad enough weather that the crew will become disoriented. While tools like a terrain radar, ILS, and GPWS/TAWS do help the pilots regain orientation, they're not ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
How to interpret/use "Fix Minimums" (at KALB)
This one stumped both myself and my CFI. Im specifically asking about the minimums at KALB IL/LOC 19 but a general answer is also appreciated.
The plate lists two distinct sets of minimums and we ...
6
votes
2answers
468 views
Why do planes above FL290 need more vertical spacing?
At altitudes no higher than 29,000 feet, planes need only 1,000 feet of vertical separation.
However, planes over FL290 need twice that, i.e. they need 2,000 feet of vertical spacing between them and ...
6
votes
1answer
515 views
Which airspace requires what RNP?
How do I know which airspace requires what RNP value? More specifically, can I go from NY to London with just BRNAV providing I stay above the NAT HLA?
1
vote
2answers
2k views
What does ''NAV ILS OUT OF SERVICE'' mean?
Just curious about the NOTAM below:
!SMF 01/045 (KSMF A0080/19) SMF NAV ILS RWY 16L OUT OF SERVICE
1901180419-1901262359
Does that mean only the glideslope is broken so we can still do a LOC ...
0
votes
3answers
634 views
How can I use an ADS-B receiver to make my aircraft visible in Flightradar24?
I recently bought a SENTRY ADS-B receiver for the aircraft in order to track the flight.
How could I make Flightradar24 or Flightaware show my aircraft and how to register my aircraft on the website?
2
votes
1answer
462 views
How much difference in heading/bearing between consecutive legs is "officially" considered a turn?
While examining FAA's TERPS manual (Order 8260.3D) and PBN manual (Order 8260.58A), I noticed two seemingly contradictory statements.
TERPS 8260.3D Chapter 14. Departure Routes, 14-3-4 . Construct ...
1
vote
1answer
3k views
Does ATC prefer ILS over RNAV?
Listening to APP for several major (US class B) airports, it seems that every flight is vectored to intercept the localizer. Is it really possible that 100% of flights filed an ILS approach? If so, ...
0
votes
2answers
137 views
Can only victor way be used for route in cross country?
In IFR low-en route chart, there are many ways related to victor ways. Do I have to select the route for cross county? Or, Can I choose the ways between victor ways?
0
votes
1answer
347 views
Substitute Suitable RNAV system for Inop Radar on approach “requiring” Radar
Assuming my aircraft's navigation equipment is a "Qualified/Suitable RNAV System," as defined by AC 90-108, is it legal for me to fly the LDA Y Rwy 19 IAP to DCA with ATC Radar out of service?
Here ...
2
votes
2answers
321 views
What does LNAV engagement exactly mean?
I notice the term LNAV engagement being frequently mentioned in aviation related discussions or in several FAA's relevant material. Take, for example, this quote from Order 8260.58A (PBN Instrument ...