FS Navigation: NDB

[ThomasKaira]

OK, as I am an early jet enthusiast, I could make very good use of learning to navigate via NDB. I know it's a little more difficult than VOR, but I'm up to it. Whatever I need to know to navigate effectively by NDB, do tell.

[Brett_Henderson]

We'll be getting into instrument navigation in the 'Flight School' forum, in great depth, eventually.

[ThomasKaira]

Gimme a PM when you start up on those approaches. I'll be there.

[Mobius]

I might need to take the role of student in this one.  I can't say I have ever used an NDB as navigational aid, none of our aircraft have ADF's.  One did a long time ago, but it's long gone now.

[Brett_Henderson]

Yeah.. NDB navigation is a dying art. As the old transmiters wear out, they aren't being replaced or repaired..  And the NDB reciever / ADF gauge is a maintanence head-ache to keep tuned.. AND it's heavy... along with the fragile antenna.

The NDB approach is just like a VOR approach.. except that instead of a nice radial to track;  you've got the nebulous, ADF pointer. And instead of the accurate CDI, you the pilot have to "gauge" your track. Keeping the needle on runway heading while adjusting for the wind, just takes a little practice.

The other important use for NDBs, is as outer markers. They can keep you from turning runway heading too early. And of course they can be used along with a VOR (or second NDB) for triangulation.

Another short-coming, is their range... 30-40 miles tops.   BUT... they can be tuned to an AM radio station too.  If your home airport is at a city with a 50,000watt AM station... you can always find your way home  ;)

[Nexus]

And dont forget the coastal bending effect (not sure what you call it in english  :'().
My old home base was located near the ocean, and if you tuned the NDB over the ocean, the deviation when arriving over land could easily be 20 degrees  :-[

I'd like to echoe the sentiment of somebody's signature here (not sure who it is):" every outer marker should be an NDB. "
For some reason it gives me an extra level of situation awareness. But NDBs are being phased out here aswell....

[Ivan]

If you want to fly with a realistic NDB (not the MS interpetation of the item) complete with 'walking' needles if theres no beacon in range get a russian addon...

[ThomasKaira]

If you want to fly with a realistic NDB (not the MS interpetation of the item) complete with 'walking' needles if theres no beacon in range get a russian addon...

Been there, done that.