Radio Navigation and IFR. IFR, GPS - Volume 2

In the previous volume, we studied?

- mental arithmetic ;

- the materialization of position in space ;

- the different methods of changing axis ;

- and classic radio navigation methods (VOR, HSI, DME, ILS, ADF, RMI...).

This knowledge will now enable us to study IFR trajectories and GPS.

For most private pilots, the use of GPS often boils down to a simple "Goto". We'll be taking a look at the various, often overlooked, options offered by this function. We'll introduce the notion of a flight plan, a succession of branches characterized by a starting point and an end point. A flight plan is very useful when the planned trajectory does not consist of a simple straight line, and relieves the pilot's workload. By studying the flight plan, how it is entered and how it unfolds in flight, we'll introduce the notions of branch and active point, and self-sequencing of points.

We'll look at the different GPS approaches: LNAV, LNAV/VNAV and LPV. Since the EGNOS system was declared operational in 2011, GPS approach procedures have multiplied in Europe, and particularly in France. Many aerodromes that only had a simple NDB approach now also have an LPV approach, which represents considerable progress. At secondary aerodromes, ILS procedures are often replaced by LPV procedures.

The most frequent errors will be explained, as will the questions often asked by users...:

- When is it necessary to suspend or resume self-sequencing?

- What to do if you forget to suspend?

- What's the difference between "OBS" and "SUSP" modes?

- Is it necessary to systematically activate an approach, and what are the consequences of doing so?

- What's the difference between a "Goto" at a point on the flight plan and at a point not on the flight plan?

- What happens if we delete the active point in flight?

Contents

Foreword

1 THE I.F.R.

2 Satellite navigation

Conclusion

A Correction of exercises

B Operational minima

C Rules for integration into aerodrome traffic

D Notions on segment-ends and RNAV point coding

Table of contents