Radio Navigation Medical Emergency Mission

Radio Navigation Objective: This training module will teach you about the Automatic Direction Finder (ADF), the Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI) and Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) radio navigation instruments. Mission Application: You will use what you learn to transport a critically-ill patient through mountainous terrain and heavy weather to a waiting hospital emergency room 40 miles away.

ADF ADF (Automatic Direction Finder): Many general aviation-type aircraft are equipped with ADF radio receiving equipment. To navigate using the ADF, the pilot tunes the receiving equipment to a ground station known as a non-directional radio beacon (NDB). The navigational display consists of a dial upon which the azimuth is printed, and a needle which rotates around the dial and points to the station to which the receiver is tuned.

This is called “homing” to the station. If you turn your aircraft until the nose is pointed the same way the ADF needle is pointed, you‘ll be heading toward the station. But if there were a crosswind, it would blow you away from the direct path to the station. If you keep pointing the nose toward the station, and you keep turning little by little so that the station stays straight ahead, you‘ll get there—eventually. This is called “homing” to the station. WIND

RMI Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI): The RMI is a navigational aid providing aircraft magnetic or directional gyro heading, very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR), as well as automatic direction finder (ADF) bearing information. In Flight Simulator, all of the RMIs are dual-needle and only provide information for the ADF (single yellow needle) and VOR Nav Radio 2 (double green arrow).

HSI CDI The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) combines the magnetic compass with navigation signals from VOR Nav Radio 1. The small airplane in the center of the HSI always points straight ahead, indicating the direction the aircraft is traveling. The Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) indicates which direction to turn to return to the selected course.

Baron Instrument Panel RMI HSI ADF Radio

Activity A Instructions: Using the Learning Center in Flight Simulator X, click on the “Navigation” icon then select the article entitled Automatic Direction Finder. Read the article and answer questions 1-5 in complete sentences. The ground-based portion of the ADF system operates in what frequency range? What other broadcasts operate in this frequency band? Why is ADF often referred to as a “non-directional beacon”? Name one advantage ADF has over VOR. Name a disadvantage ADF has compared to VOR.

Activity A Instructions: Using the Learning Center in Flight Simulator X, click on the “Navigation” icon then select the article entitled The Radio Magnetic Indicator. Read the article and answer questions 6-8 in complete sentences. List the three components that are combined in the RMI. In Flight Simulator, all of the RMIs provide information for what navigational aids/radios? Explain the function of the “fluxgate”.

Activity A Instructions: Using the Learning Center in Flight Simulator X, click on the “Navigation” icon then select the article entitled Using the Horizontal Situation Indicator. Read the article and answer questions 9-10 in complete sentences. The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) is basically a combination of what two navigational aids/instruments? How is the direction the aircraft is flying indicated on the HSI?

Activity B: Flight Planning

Activity B: Flight Planning Using the link http://www.airnav.com , answer the following necessary questions for your destination of Bellingham International Airport (KBLI): Airport coordinates (round to the nearest minute of latitude/longitude). Airport elevation (in feet). Location relative to city (distance and direction). Pattern altitude (in feet MSL). Runway dimensions (length x width in feet). Current least expensive fuel price for 100 Low Lead (100 LL) fuel.

Activity B: Flight Planning You will use the information you have gathered to aid in planning your flight. Now, obtain a mission sheet from your instructor. You will also need a sectional plotter, chart and marker. Follow the instructions on the mission sheet to complete your planning.

Activity C: The Mission You are the pilot of a Beechcraft Baron 58 converted to serve as an air ambulance. You are positioned on the active runway at Concrete (3W5) airport. On-board your aircraft are a critically-ill patient and a flight nurse to provide patient care. You must fly the patient from Concrete airport to a waiting ambulance at Bellingham International Airport near the U.S. and Canadian border. The weather is not cooperating. You will need to fly through an area of heavy thunderstorms in mountainous terrain. Only your flying skills will ensure the patient makes it to the waiting medical facility in Bellingham. The airport will need your estimated time of arrival (ETA) as you are nearing Bellingham International. Pass the ETA to your instructor.

Activity C: The Mission Answer the following post-mission questions following your flight: Did you successfully complete your flight? Which Radio Navigation instrument aided you the most? How much of a factor was the weather? Based on current fuel prices, how much did this trip cost in fuel? What do you feel was the easiest and most difficult part of this mission?