Chapter 7 Visual Fixing

CHAPTER THREE

VISUAL FIXING

300.

INTRODUCTION

Because of the task saturation accompanying low altitude flight, determining how to maintain

course navigation through the low level is an important part of mission planning. In military

flying, visual fixing is your primary means of low altitude navigation. Radar, GPS, and INS are

all great "crutches," but it all starts with visual situational awareness. The focus of this Chapter

is the techniques and procedures we used to determine the best features for intermediate

checkpoints and turnpoints.

301.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD CHECKPOINTS

One of the most important qualities of a checkpoint is that we be able to see it. There are several

factors determining the quality of a visual checkpoint. Size is important, as a larger feature can

generally be seen from greater distances and is easier to identify.

Horizontal development refers to the "width" of the feature. Coastlines, lakes, roads, and rivers

are examples of features with large horizontal development.

Vertical development refers to height, towers, mountains, and other man-made structures.

The ideal checkpoint has both vertical and horizontal development. Such a point might be a tall

bridge across a wide river or a large factory complex with tall smoke stacks (Figure 3-1,

point "B"). Unfortunately, such points are not always available.

For T-6A flights, horizontal development is more desirable than vertical development due to the

altitude flown (1000 feet AGL: Figure 3-1, river bends at 9+12 and 10+00).

In lower altitude flight (500 feet AGL), vertical development will prove more effective, as

horizontally developed features become masked by trees and a shortened horizon (Figure 3-1,

towers at 14+10).

When choosing features to serve as checkpoints, remember the goal is to fix your position as

accurately as possible. While the airfield is a good example of horizontal development, it may

not provide the most accurate position unless a distinctive structure or runway is used

(Figure 3-1, airfield at 11+20).

VISUAL FIXING 3-1