B1102 FLIGHT 1.0 hours simulator

Proceeding Direct to a Point via GPS

OBJECTIVE

Build trainees' ability to integrate GPS navigation for direct routing in a virtual simulator under VFR, combining ground knowledge with practical flight skills to maintain accurate tracks while managing aircraft control and situational awareness.

CONTENT

GPS Setup and Activation

  • • Pre-flight: Enter waypoints into GPS unit, verify database currency, and perform RAIM check for integrity.
  • • In-flight: Activate direct-to function, set desired track, and monitor CDI for deviations.

GPS SETUP CHECKLIST

□ Database current

□ RAIM check complete

□ Waypoints entered

□ CDI sensitivity set

Flying Direct Routes

  • • Maintain heading to follow GPS guidance, adjusting for wind using crab angles; cross-check with ground speed and ETE readouts.
  • • Integration with basic control: Hold altitude and airspeed while navigating, scanning for traffic and landmarks.

Scenario-Based Practice

  • • Simulate routes to fixed points (e.g., VORs, airports), including en route adjustments for simulated ATC instructions or weather.
  • • Multi-leg navigation: Chain direct-to segments, updating waypoints mid-flight.

Error Handling and Backups

  • • Respond to GPS anomalies (e.g., signal loss) by reverting to dead reckoning or visual references.
  • • Common pitfalls: Over-reliance on automation; practice manual overrides.

GPS FAILURE BACKUP

Revert to: Dead reckoning → Visual references → VOR/NDB if available

SORTIE TASKS

No controller required. No instructor required. Fly on VATSIM IAW VATSIM regulations.

Pre-Sortie

  1. 1Plan a VFR flight plan with at least one destination waypoint (airport, VOR, or fix)
  2. 2Enter waypoints into the aircraft GPS and/or tune VOR as applicable; file flight plan on VATSIM and connect
  3. 3If ATC is online, obtain ATIS and contact Ground/Tower; if not, depart via CTAF self-announce

Sortie

  1. 4Depart and activate GPS direct-to or center the VOR needle on the planned course
  2. 5Maintain desired track using GPS/VOR guidance; cross-check with visual references en route
  3. 6Arrive at destination within 1 NM; update GPS/VOR for return leg or next waypoint
  4. 7Return to home field using GPS or VOR guidance; contact tower or self-announce as appropriate

Post-Sortie

  1. 8Full-stop landing and taxi to parking with correct after-landing comms
  2. 9Log the sortie in the vTAC flight log system

Approved Callsigns

EURO · ENJEP · RAMA — out-and-back, destination not listed below
JAVET — if destination is KTIK (Tinker)
ARCAS — if destination is KDYS (Dyess)
BURNY — if destination is KLBB (Lubbock)
FIDO — if destination is KAFW / NAS Fort Worth

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will execute GPS direct navigation in the simulator with minimal instructor input. Trainees must:

  • • Arrive at waypoints within 1 NM
  • • Maintain control tolerances (±500 ft altitude, ±20° heading, ±20 knots airspeed)
  • • Handle two simulated failures correctly

Completion: Demonstrate proficiency with instructor sign-off

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