Homing

Homing is flying the aircraft on any heading required to keep the needle pointing directly to the 0 degree relative bearing (RB) position.

Homing

Introduction to Homing

  • The Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) may be used to "home" in on a station
  • Homing is flying the aircraft on any heading required to keep the needle pointing directly to the 0° Relative Bearing (RB) position

  • WARNING:
    All procedures are GENERALIZED.
    Use the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) procedures for specific aircraft performance and limitations.
    and/or current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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    Homing

    Homing Key Highlights

    • Homing is a navigation technique in which pilots continuously steer toward a radio navigation station or signal source.
    • Homing typically uses Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) equipment to track Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs).
    • During homing, the aircraft heading changes continuously to keep the navigation pointer directed toward the station.
    • Wind drift can cause inefficient curved flight paths during homing operations.
    • Tracking differs from homing because tracking maintains a wind-corrected course rather than continuously pointing at the station.
    • ADF indications may be affected by terrain, thunderstorms, coastal refraction, and atmospheric disturbances.
    • Homing techniques require continuous situational awareness and interpretation of navigation instrument indications.
    • Modern GPS and RNAV systems have reduced reliance on traditional homing navigation techniques in many operations.
    • Pilots should understand the limitations and errors associated with ADF and NDB navigation systems.
    • Understanding homing improves navigation awareness, instrument proficiency, and overall flight safety.
    Homing

    Homing Procedure

    1. Tune the station, identify the Morse code signal
    2. Turn the aircraft to bring the ADF azimuth needle to the 0° RB position
      • Turns should be made using the heading indicator
    3. When the turn is complete, check the ADF needle and make small corrections as necessary.
    4. Small heading corrections are then made to zero the ADF needle
    5. If there is no wind, the aircraft homes to the station on a direct track over the ground. With a crosswind, the aircraft follows a circuitous path to the station on the downwind side of the direct track to the station
    Homing

    Homing Interactive Scenario

    Interactive Scenario

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    Decision 1
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    Scenario Complete

    Homing

    Homing Airman Certification Standards

    Homing

    Homing Knowledge Check


    Private Pilot

    Core Knowledge Review

    Review the foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations for Homing.

    Foundational Immediate Feedback Answer Explanations
    Commercial Pilot

    Advanced Application

    Apply your knowledge of Homing to advanced operational scenarios, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making.

    Advanced Scenario Based Risk Management

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    Homing

    Homing Conclusion

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    Homing References