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
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 station, identify the Morse code signal
- Turn the aircraft to bring the ADF azimuth needle to the 0° RB position
- Turns should be made using the heading indicator
- When the turn is complete, check the ADF needle and make small corrections as necessary
- Small heading corrections are then made to zero the ADF needle
- 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 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