Figure 3-2 Wind Vector

INSTRUMENTS FLIGHT PLANNING

CHAPTER THREE

Figure 3-2 Wind Vector

Once wind is determined, maintaining course and predicting aircraft position is accomplished

easily. This is basically what DR consists of determining wind and predicting aircraft position.

303.

DETERMINING WIND

Basic Instruments provides a method of determining wind. It is based on conducting a GS check

and noting the amount of crab necessary to maintain course. Since this method was reinforced

several times in previous exercises, no more time is devoted to an explanation. The importance

of determining wind needs to be stressed.

If for some reason a GS check is not completed, the SNFO can estimate the wind by using the

best information available: weather forecast winds. Using the wind face of the CR-2 to plot

forecast winds and desired course, an SNFO can make an intelligent guess at what the GS is.

This is not the best way, but it can work.

304.

APPLICATION

As you have noticed the best way to determine wind is to complete a GS check as soon as

practicable. Now let us look at what to do when the TACAN goes down! This usually means

loss of DME or azimuth or both. In most cases, it is both. After rechanneling without results,

you assume the TACAN is down and now you have a real problem: how to remain on course

and determine when to turn at the next turnpoint.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

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