Easy method for finding airfield runways

[IndioBlack]

Someone earlier was asking about how you find the airfields -  a particular problem if you have low resolution on the terrain, where you're almost at the field before you can see the runway.
I have a method for getting you lined up perfectly, and this is what I do.

1. Know your airfield.
Take a free flight around your airfield, Taxying is best, and make a note of the runway directions on your compass.
I'm flying Bombers from Alconbury, and the headings for the three runways are:
0 - 180
330-150
60 - 240

2. Set up your HUD.
If you don't like flying with the HUD, delete all the gauges except the compass gauge. Now drag your Compass over the TAC Circle, or drag your TAC Circle over the Compass - same result, since they are both transparent.
Make sure the smaller compass circle is exactly centred on the larger TAC circle.
Now, if you really don't like flying with the HUD, turn it off until you're ready to land

3. Finding the Airfield.
Cycle your TAC to show airfields.
Your last waypoint on a mission should be bringing you towards the airfield and showing a blue heading line pointing at it.  At 8 miles you'll be able to use your "next friendly" key to select and bracket the airfield. If you're warping, you should use the stop warp key to bring you out of warp before the 8 miles counts down.

4. Finding the runway.
Your blue heading line on the TAC will be pointing at the airfield, and since it is superimposed over the compass, you'll know the exact heading.
Since you have a list of runway headings for your airfield, it should be easy to figure out which is the nearest to the TAC line.
Let's say the nearest for you at Alconbury is 240, but the blue line is to the left of 240. Turn your aircraft about 45 degrees left, and fly in that direction until the blue TAC line reads 240 on the compass. Now turn to 240 and you're lined up.
If the blue line is right of 240, turn about 45 degrees right and fly that direction until the blue TAC line points at 240 on the compass, and then turn to 240, where you'll be exactly lined up.

The principle is simple: if you can get your  blue line to point to a compass heading that is exact for one of your runways, and you then turn to that heading, you're lined up. How much you need to turn to quickly get the needles lined up comes easily with only a little practice.

I'm sure we all do something like this in our heads, but the superimposed TAC and Compass just make it very easy.

[Woodlouse2002]

I just aim at the blue blob on the TAC thingy and land on what ever. Making sure as to avoid parked planes, hangers, fire trucks etc.

[IndioBlack]

That's a much better idea than mine. I'll do it your way in future. Thanks very much for your help.

[Woodlouse2002]

The best thing to do is to download the Lysander from Avhistory and then you can literally land where you please. Roads are a favorite of mine.