Intersections

[zcottovision]

Here's a situation I hope you guys can clarify for me.

A pilot heading towards EGAA has just crossed the IOM VOR, which is about 100 miles away from the BEL VOR, which is right on EGAA.

ATC then talks to the pilot. "Midland 096, roger your position, descend to flight level 70 by Romeo India November Golf Alpha, call me when ready."

Our pilot begins his descent to FL70 for the RINGA intersection, but how does he know when he's at the intersection? With radio navigation I know you can track VORs with DME, but I've no idea how you go about tracking an intersection if you're told to descend to a certain altitude by this waypoint.

Anyone like to spread some light on it?

[Craig.]

i believe there is some form of navigational beacon there, or it would appear on the flight display somewhere

[Ivan]

ISECs on land areas usually are defined by two specific VOR radials crossing each other at a given distance, this is marked on the chart

as you dial in the correct VORs and radial's you will arrive at the ISEC if the DME readings are correct for that ISEC

[Felix/FFDS]

Isn't FL70 = 70,000ft?

[Ivan]

Err... yes, and the FS-ACOF atc starts with FL designation around 12000 ft or so

[Craig.]

no flight level 70 is 7000 feet.
700 is 70,000

[zcottovision]

Yes, FL70 = 7000ft, FL700 = 70,000ft.

Don't ask me, I was just following ATC commands on VATSIM...!

So basically you're told the distance on the chart from the VOR to the intersection, and just work it out from there? That makes sense to me!