Radio Navigator

Radio navigation articles

Articles covering Radio Navigation: VOR and NDB tracking, hold entries, intercepts, position fixing, and instrument reading. Every article cites primary ICAO and FAA sources, and links to the relevant trainer in the simulator so you can practise immediately.

Holding

Entry types, timing, wind corrections. See all holding articles →

How to Determine Hold EntryDirect, parallel, or offset? Use the HSI or DI to pick the correct hold entry. Worked examples, ICAO & FAA references, and a dedicated in-browser trainer.How to Fly the Parallel Hold EntryThe parallel (Sector 1) hold entry: when it applies, how to fly it step by step, and the mistakes pilots make. ICAO and FAA sourced.How to Fly the Offset Hold EntryThe 30° offset (Sector 2) hold entry, also called the teardrop. Geometry, the "gate" QDR, how to fly it. Cited from ICAO Doc 8168 and FAA AIM 5-3-8.How to Fly the Direct Hold EntryThe direct (Sector 3) hold entry: when it applies, how to fly it, and how to handle extreme entries near the sector boundary. ICAO and FAA sourced.
Holding Pattern Timing and Leg LengthComing soon
Wind Correction in the HoldSingle drift inbound, triple drift outbound, and timing adjustments to regain the inbound track before the fix. Two worked examples.
How to Fly the Hold Inbound TurnComing soon

Radio navigation tracking

VOR radials, NDB bearings, intercepts, and the instruments (HSI, CDI, RMI, ADF) you read them with. See all radio navigation tracking articles →

How to Track a VOR RadialTune, identify, set the OBS, and track a VOR radial inbound or outbound with wind correction. The radial-vs-course gotcha, TO/FROM sense, and worked example.How to Intercept a VOR RadialVOR intercepts: tune, identify, display, set the course, pick an intercept heading, calculate the wind-corrected heading, and roll out based on closure rate.
How to Calculate a Wind Corrected HeadingComing soon
How to Track to and from an NDBComing soon
How to Read an HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator)Coming soon

Procedures

Position fixing, procedure turns, DME arcs, and other procedures used in instrument flying. See all procedures articles →

How to Take a VOR/DME Position FixComing soon
How to Take a Running Fix (Single Bearing Fix)Coming soon
Why DME Shows Slant Range, Not Ground DistanceComing soon
How to Fly a Procedure TurnComing soon
Approach Classifications: 2D, 3D, Type A and Type BHow instrument approaches are classified under ICAO All Weather Operations and UK CAA rules: 2D vs 3D operations, Type A vs Type B, and how non-precision, APV and precision map on.

General tips

Short, focused articles on common mistakes, exam gotchas, and the best techniques. See all general tips articles →

How to Determine Hold Entry from the HSIComing soon
The Clock-Code Mental Shortcut for Drift and GroundspeedComing soon
Wind-Correct a Heading Using the HSIVisualise wind corrections on the HSI, accurately wind correct your headings on the fly. An effective technique for VFR or IFR flying that works on any aircraft with a direction indicator.How to Calculate Groundspeed from the HSI or DIEstimate your groundspeed in flight from drift and indicated airspeed using the HSI or directional gyro.RNAV Substitution on the IR Skills TestHow RNAV substitution is applied on the UK CAA IR skills test: when GNSS may replace VOR, NDB and DME, and the specific limits on the hold, the approach and the final approach segment.
Correcting an Overshoot on the Hold Inbound TurnComing soon
The "Gate" in a Holding PatternComing soon
NDB Holding: Flying the Inbound Turn (with Dip)Coming soon
Extreme Direct Hold EntriesComing soon
The Direct Entry Sector on Instrument ApproachesComing soon
How to Fly a Direct Departure on a Heading and StopwatchComing soon

IFR flight planning

Flight planning under the instrument flight rules: route and altitude selection, alternates, fuel, and the weather minima that govern departure, destination, and alternate planning. See all ifr flight planning articles →

UK CAA IFR Flight PlanningHow to plan a flight under the instrument flight rules in the UK: the IFR, Part-CAT and Part-NCO weather minima, alternate selection, and planning minima.

Try the simulator

All articles reference the Radio Navigator simulator. The free version covers VOR and HSI basics in your browser, no signup. Pro adds dedicated trainers with real-time grading and more instruments and navigation aids.

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