Figuring out a course to intercept a radial or a beacon

[daxroy]

Im undergoing instrument ground school. my instructor is drilling me on figuring intercept courses based on infomation from the HSI and the RMI. As he explains it, it seems so simple. But when I take it on my own I get lost. We are using the Jeppesen Instrument Study Guide (the one with the FAA test questions and explanations concering advanced navigation)

[wxwatcher]

If you're talking about an intercept course to an ndb you need to remember a couple simple things. First, on your indicator "North" is actually the nose of the aircraft regardless of the heading you're flying. From that, it's simplt to figure out.

If the needle is left of your course, subtract an equal amount from your magmetic heading, if right add.

Example:

The NDB needle shows the beacon 20 degrees left of your course. If you are heading 270, subtract 20 to get an intercept (direct) course to the ndb of 250.

If the NDB needle shows 20 degrees right, add 20 to the 270 which means a course of 290 would get you to the ndb.

If you want to intercept outside the marker, adjust your heading corrections accordingly.

It's simple, but it's what we use when helping a "disoriented" pilot. :-)

Jerry

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Comments and opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

[BrentG]

Try this page it has a Java applet that is highly visual. You can also manipulate all the information. Good luck with your Instrument Rating I have found it the most demanding thing I have undertaken in years.
http://www.visi.com/~mim/nav/