Homing
Homing is flying the aircraft on any heading required to keep the needle pointing directly to the 0 degree relative bearing (RB) position.
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
- Test your understanding of Homing by applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.
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).
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 Procedure
- Tune the automatic direction finder (ADF) to the nondirectional beacon (NDB) and positively identify its Morse code identifier.
- Turn using the heading indicator until the ADF needle indicates 0° relative bearing.
- Maintain a zero relative bearing by making small heading corrections as the ADF needle moves away from zero.
- With no wind, homing produces a direct ground track to the station, but homing does not correct for wind.
- In a crosswind, repeatedly turning the aircraft to keep the needle at zero creates a curved, downwind path and increases the distance flown.
- To maintain a straight ground track, apply a wind correction using a tracking procedure instead of homing.
Homing Interactive Scenario
Interactive Scenario
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Homing Airman Certification Standards
Homing Conclusion
- Remain mindful that performance calculations are usually more optimistic than actual performance.
- Consider actual versus realized performance when doing any performance calculations
- Consider practicing maneuvers on a flight simulator to introduce yourself to maneuvers or knock off rust
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Homing References
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary.
- Instrument Flying Handbook (9-5) Homing