Figure 4-1 Radial Track Enroute

CHAPTER FOUR

T-6A INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION

403. RADIAL TRACKING ENROUTE

Tracking is a procedure used to determine the proper heading needed to fly in order to maintain a

desired course. The difference between course and heading is called drift. When flying radio

instruments, the aircraft must maintain a straight path over the ground. Under a no-wind

condition, this may be accomplished simply by maintaining aircraft heading. If a crosswind

exists, the aircraft must crab into the wind to maintain a straight path over the ground, thus

preventing drift. The tracking procedure (crabbing into the wind) determines the corrected

aircraft heading that will keep the aircraft on the desired flight path over the ground (Figure 4-1).

360

AIRCRAFT HDG 083

ial

263 Rad

Figure 4-1 Radial Track Enroute

RADIAL TRACKING PROCEDURE (VOR)

Tune the proper station.

2. Identify the station by turning up the volume and comparing it against the Morse Code

found on the enroute chart or approach plate.

NOTE

A TACAN station identification occurs approximately every 35

seconds and a VOR station identification is continuous. If you do

not know Morse Code, then ensure you verify the signal against a

chart depicting the signal (Enroute Low/High Altitude Charts or

Low/High Altitude Approach Charts).

3. Monitor the station identifier to ensure continuous signal integrity. Navigation information

is reliable only when:

The warning indicator (red X) is not displayed.

The NAVAID identifier is received.

The aircraft is within the usable range of the equipment.

4-8

INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION