Point-to-Point Navigation

CHAPTER FOUR

T-6A INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION

412. POINT-TO-POINT NAVIGATION

Point-to-point navigation is a procedure used to fly from one radial/DME fix to another using a

direct track. When an aircraft approaches a terminal area, ATC normally clears it to a holding

fix or an IAF. The routing specified may be to the station and out the radial, along an arc to a

radial, or direct to the fix. If cleared direct to the fix, the pilot may be radar vectored or employ

point-to-point navigation.

When cleared direct from one point to another, you must determine the heading to fly.

The key to point-to-point navigation is learning to visualize the aircraft's present position

and the desired fix on the compass card of the EHSI. The following concepts will aid in

developing this ability.

The station is always at the center of the compass card. The compass card is merely a

compass rose around the station.

The fix having the greater distance is always established on its radial at the outer edge

of the compass card.

The remaining fix is established along its radial at a point whose distance from the

center of the card is proportional to the distance represented by the outer edge of the

compass card.

The following example and the illustrations in Figures 4-8, 4-9, and 4-10 demonstrate the

procedures for flying from one fix to another fix. The aircraft is on the 180 radial at 20 NM and

you want to navigate to the 090 radial at 10 NM.

4-24 INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION