Questions tagged [ifr-navigation]
Questions about navigating under Instrument Flight Rules
75
questions
5
votes
2answers
122 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
91 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
115 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
62 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
129 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
4k 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
464 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
146 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
2answers
288 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
150 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
133 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
209 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
444 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
359 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
179 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
160 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
107 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
291 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
768 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
217 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
31 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
4k 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
91 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
411 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
307 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
374 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
764 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
520 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
245 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
1k 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
134 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
262 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
204 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
847 views
What is the width of a high altitude airway?
Victor airways (airways that are below 18,000 ft) has a width of 8 NM. How about those airways that operates higher than 18,000 ft, do they have specific width you must be in?
Or is there no width ...
1
vote
0answers
65 views
Can I find the minimum IFR altitude based only on a SID plate?
I noticed this question here on aviation stackexchange, and I was wondering if there is a way to deduce the minimum IFR altitude (either 1000ft or 2000ft above obstacles, depending on whether or not ...
0
votes
1answer
463 views
What is the type of a SID that is neither RNAV nor RNP?
I am studying FAA's Order 8260.46F and I have noticed that, as far as the different types of SIDs are concerned, it states:
[3-5] (1) “RNAV 1” will be the default designation for RNAV DPs. Annotate ...
1
vote
3answers
3k views
What does it mean when your destination airport is currently “below IFR minimums”?
Does it mean that absolutely nobody can land there until conditions improve? Can ATC still give you an IFR clearance to your destination airport in this case?
20
votes
1answer
2k views
What means of navigation did commercial Soviet airplanes use in the 50s-90s?
Nowadays, practically all Western commercial airplanes use some kind of GNSS/GPS as primary means of navigation, sometimes paired with inertial navigation systems and user-friendly computer interfaces ...
6
votes
2answers
17k views
What is the difference between RNAV and RNP?
What is the difference between RNAV and RNP? I know that RNAV doesn't need monitoring and alerting, but RNP does.
3
votes
3answers
538 views
How to select a SID during the planning stage?
During the planning stage of an IFR flight how to choose the correct SID for your route in an airport with multiple runways and multiple SIDs? and how to predict the runway you will be going to use?
2
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I fill the PBN\ part in a Flight Plan Form?
Flight Plan Form Section 10 is the "Equipment" section, where one input whatever navigation or communication equipment on board. In addition, Section 18 is the "Other information" section, where you ...
-5
votes
0answers
71 views
List of desired Games for a moving platform [closed]
Our company, which develops new ideas in gaming, have developed a moving platform with 2 degrees of freedom called Cheeta.
This platform can thoroughly rotate along pitch and roll axis; thus, it gives ...
3
votes
2answers
459 views
Could a pilot navigate using distances and radials from an RNAV waypoint, similar to VOR navigation?
I know that typically RNAV navigation involves a list of waypoints, and the aircraft simply flies from one point to the next. What I'm curious about is if a procedure could be developed (as a special ...
10
votes
3answers
4k views
Is it possible for a civilian to use a VORTAC station?
Suppose you have a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Amphibian and you want to use VORTAC stations on military bases (or somewhere else). Is it possible? Is it legal?
4
votes
1answer
5k views
What are the lateral sensitivities of GPS approaches?
What are the lateral sensitivities of each of the WAAS and LNAV approach? Is the lateral sensitivity of WAAS the same as that of the localizer, which is 3 to 6 degrees? What about the LNAV approach?
10
votes
1answer
787 views
What does a 10nm/20nm circle on instrument approach charts mean?
A lot of instrument aproach charts (VOR or ILS) have a circle around the navaid. It can be 10/20 NM or in km, like the 20km circle in the image. What does this circle mean?
5
votes
1answer
382 views
Why is there a GPS/RNAV waypoint co-located with a VOR?
There is an RNAV waypoint named STYCK co-located at what appears to be the exact location of the LOA VOR (coordinates match precisely as well). Why would the creation of a waypoint be necessary if IFR ...
6
votes
1answer
476 views
On an inverted aircraft, is the ILS glide slope sensing reversed?
If I'm halfway through a barrel roll on final descent, on an ILS, will I get reverse sensing on my glide slope indicator?
5
votes
1answer
283 views
When would these two fixes at KMEM be used?
When flying IFR into a class B airport you usually file a STAR at the end of your plan. After the last fix on the STAR you will then receive vectors from ATC to the approach for the assigned runway. ...
5
votes
1answer
3k views
Why are there GPS MOCAs?
The Pilot Controller Glossary (and other places) define MOCAs as:
MINIMUM OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE ALTITUDE (MOCA)− The lowest published
altitude in effect between radio fixes on VOR airways, off-...
