[Boatanchors] What VLF/LF Boatanchors are "affordable"

rbethman at comcast.net rbethman at comcast.net
Thu Aug 11 17:39:49 EDT 2005


Hank,

I have NO dispute over the ability to use NDBs for a viable NAVAID.

My comments were simply that in GENERAL AVIATION aircraft, in a Single Engine/Single Pilot situation, especially when EVERY Piper or Cessna has it installed to the FAR right of the cockpit, I AM NOT DOING IT.

I know VERY well that a LOT of pilots DO so, and HAVE DONE so.

The hours in rating, the pilot's endorsements, are factors that HAVE to be figured in.

At my experience level, I did NOT feel comfortable giving it the old "college try".

I also believe that when the pilot does NOT feel comfortable with conditions that are at the very limits of the PRINTED manual, which does NOT allow for the current condition/age of the aircraft - It is wiser to leave it tied down and try the next day.

Takeoffs are optional.  Landings are MANDATORY.

I for one am one of the pilot's STILL around, when the Chief Instructor where I learned to fly NO LONGER IS.  He forgot the above sentence.

Bob - N0DGN
Rated - Single Engine Land


> Francessco is correct on flying NDB approaches. I have flown them all 
> over the world, in Canada NWT we used to fly 8 to 10 Zero/Zero 
> approaches in ice fog to ice stripe hauling fuel, cargo and PAX N 
> accidents in 2 years of doing them.
> You have to keep track of time, bearing, track heading, altitude at all 
> points in the approach, Ground speed and time to run until "Runway or 
> Missed approach positive rate Gear up flaps for your configuration. And 
> it ia lot easier with the non flying pilot to be up to speed..
> But as the PIC the ball is in your court.
> 
> The approach into Dubrovnik is no big deal we did it weekly in 707's all 
> it takes is to be aware of where you are and FLY THE AIRPLANE.
> The USAF guys were just not up to speed going in there and there is no 
> GCI or GCA it is back to Piloting skills and being up to speed and above 
>   all in stable condition at the IAF and in the groove in any approach, 
> Whether, GCA, ILS, GPS, NDB, ASR or VFR runway in sight 20 miles out, be 
> stable. and if it all hits the basket go around. If you go around do it 
> only twice and get out of there and goto the alternate because by this 
> time you are getting flustered and the prong factor is way up there.
> 
> Hank
> KN6DI
> 
> Hank
> KN6DI
> 
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