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3 Answers

NDB/ADF Nonsense

Asked by: 4658 views Instrument Rating

Been working on IFR for a little bit and consider myself a pretty smart guy.  Doing approaches and holds.  Training in a steam gauge 172R with VORs and GPS.  Trying to get the stupid written out of the way and getting completely confused by ADF/NDB questions.  Never gonna fly with them - ever - but apparently, I still need to learn about them.  Using CFI's text book and it's preaching an equation to answer the questions.  Is there an easier way that trig to figure these dumb things out?!

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3 Answers



  1. Nathan Parker on Jun 05, 2012

    The most reliable way is to use the equation. However, you can get a rough estimate to the magnetic bearing to or from the station by mentally superimposing the ADF needle on your heading indicator.

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  2. Elex Vains on Jun 05, 2012

    Thank you both – loks you like you both have the same idea!
    Lucas – thanks for the video presentation, that definitely helped a lot.  Sure makes a concept that is very poorly explained in my textbook very simple to understand! 🙂

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  3. Elex Vains on Jun 06, 2012

    BTW, Lucas, I just purchased the PTS Software and its exactly what I’ve been looking for.  I’m 3 chapters in and the weather chapter makes things that confused the heck out of me in my Private so simple.  Can’t wait to get throught the rest of it.

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