Questions tagged [ifr-navigation]
Questions about navigating under Instrument Flight Rules
69
questions
0
votes
3answers
101 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
106 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
107 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
98 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
57 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
132 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
332 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
218 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
129 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
156 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
101 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
256 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
491 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.
Edit: Plot twist:
They do appear on the STAR/DP legend.
...
2
votes
2answers
168 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
30 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
2k 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
89 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
219 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
251 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
269 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
524 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
429 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
139 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
845 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
132 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
231 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
175 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
654 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
63 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
384 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
2k 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
13k 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
483 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
1k 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
69 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
418 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
3k 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?
3
votes
1answer
4k 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
714 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
351 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
443 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
263 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
2k 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-...
5
votes
2answers
854 views
Do GA IFR flights out of airports w/ SIDs typically use them? What about STARs?
Besides the IAPs (which as an IFR flight you're guaranteed to use unless cleared for the visual), there are the STARs and SIDs, and using them in slow GA aircraft doesn't fully make sense to me.
For ...
14
votes
2answers
954 views
How does Jeppesen create its US charts?
The Jeppesen and FAA IFR plates represent the same information in different ways. The FAA publishes its charts for free, but the underlying data that goes into the charts (e.g., exact coordinates of ...
0
votes
1answer
2k views
What's is the difference among ECL, CFL, RFL, TFL messages in ATM?
These are several messages to provide a change level during air navigation. Some are sent or requested by the pilot, others by the air traffic controllers, etc. There are subtle differences. Could ...
5
votes
1answer
462 views
Is there a roadmap to satellite / inertial only based navigation?
GNSS is the most accurate mean of navigation available on the flight deck but it relies on satellite being available and under control. Inertial systems are autonomous, but far less accurate.
...
14
votes
1answer
975 views
Why publish an unusable airway?
If an airway is marked unusable, why publish it?
Secondary question, can RNAV still be used?
13
votes
1answer
1k views
What are those 5-character alphanumeric waypoints?
On the following High IFR chart from skyvector.com I notice along the meridian at 30' intervals there is a green symbol the same shape as an RNAV waypoint. Next to them are 5-digit identifiers, but it ...
