Navex Help(Practicing on the ground)..

[Simonflyer]

Hi Yall..

 

I was hoping i could get some pointer's on Navigation exercises for on the ground training after my very dissapointing Nav today(Nav 4)..

 

To say i was rusty is a large understatement(granted I hadn't flown a Nav for 2 months), and difficult winds,Turbulence,diversions for various reasons, and cloud bases that seemed to move up and down to sit at whichever height or direction i chose to fly didnt help:help:, but i found that i got flustered quite a bit(much more than usual) by all these things, and i really can't believe how far back in progress i went in two months.The last Nav i flew, i felt like i was really starting to get on top of it, today i felt behind the plane most of the way:censored:

 

I guess i would like to know of any tips to keeping sharp between flights, and if anyone thinks there are any aids that may be of use to really make my time in the air money well spent..

 

Cheers

 

 

 

[Simonflyer]

I guess im just after tips to keep the rust out while im on the ground....better ways to prepare etc.

 

Im also probably being a bit hard on myself, as i keep forgetting that im pretty new to all this..(i started flying in august last year), and have only 40 hs or there abouts.

 

 

[Mazda]

Have you spoken to your instructor about this? That might be the best way.

 

You can do a lot in advance though. Yes, markers enroute are good. I use 6 minute ones, some people use 10 miles, some people use half way, quarter way, use whatever you want.

 

Get your knee board sorted, and have an organised cockpit. Fold your maps in advance. I draw distance markers on my pencil for a rough check for diversions. I also make sure I can't drop my pencil/pen. You could tie it with string to your knee board, or use a lanyard around your neck. The last thing you want is to be fumbling around under your rudder pedals for your pencil.

 

Really think about where you are going and learn to read your maps, especially topographical features on the WAC. Are you looking for a town on a ridge? Will the destination aerodrome be hidden in a valley? Should that lake be on your right, and how far from it should you be?

 

In the planning stage look for a feature (or features) on track soon after departure as a check to make sure you are on track. Should you be over that town or 5 miles to to left of it? If the wind isn't as forecast you'll pick that up quickly by doing this. If the town doesn't appear at all, you'll realise something has gone wrong while you are still close enough to your departure point to work it out before getting lost.

 

Know the rules. If there is cloud at your planned level, what are your options? How high is the terrain? (Know how to read this). Can you descend, and if so, how far? Can you climb? Where could you divert to?

 

Know your radio calls. Rehearse them at home if you like. Or in the car.

 

Run through the flight in your mind, take notes. What radio frequencies will you use and when will you change? What navaids can you use and where will you use them? Where will you get your QNH? What is the plan for joining the circuit at destination aerodromes? (Direction you will approach from, what type of circuit entry, circuit height/elevation, where to look for the windsock, where are the taxiways etc). If you look at the forecast you will most likely get an idea of the runway in use, but sometimes of course it isn't correct. If it is forecast to be a southerly though, and you've had a southerly enroute, it is most likely you'll be landing to the south. Check the windsock of course to make sure.

 

 

[Simonflyer]

Thanks guys..

 

I get really good ground help from my instructor, but im into looking at as many methods as possible to make sure i have a really good grip on the whole thing.Im a bit of a spunge for anything aviation at the moment..Its bloody good fun thats why!

 

I like the idea of doing a practice flight on the ground with all my calls,radio changes and clearof's.There just seems to be a lot to remember, and a lot to do..Im sure that i will get a grip on it as time goes by just as i did with the flying..i remember when doing a circuit was a huge ask, and i was sweating the whole way round..

 

A big help is that i can fly a couple of times a week again now, so that should keep me a bit fresher each time..:thumb_up:

 

Cheers