Short Final: ‘Digital’ Navigation

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • During a challenging final training flight to Dulles International, a helicopter pilot was asked by ATC to navigate using VOR and NDB.
  • The pilot humorously informed ATC that his Robinson R-22 only had a compass, a VFR map, and "a thumb" for navigation.
  • ATC adapted by providing visual ground references (highways and a gas station) to successfully guide the pilot to his destination.
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From AVweb reader Erik Eriksson

Rounding out my 1980s helicopter training in a Robinson R-22 in Maryland, my instructor upped the game by sending me on one final cross-country flight, including a landing at Dulles International.

As I got close to the airport and Potomac Approach established my position, the following conversation ensued:
Approach: Maintain current heading, intercept and follow radial XXX AML VOR.
Me: Negative VOR, Sir.
Approach: In that case maintain current heading, intercept and follow radial XXX Georgetown NDB.
Me: Negative NDB, Sir.
Approach: WHAT DO YOU HAVE THEN?
Me: I have a compass, a VFR map, and a thumb, Sir.

Approach directed me to follow XYZ highways and, upon passing a gas station, to call in from the right side of the highway. It all worked out as planned.

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