NDB approaches -- what are they good for?

Michael wrote:

David Megginson wrote
I think that the only way that a LOC or VOR approach would be
significantly easier than an NDB approach is if you were chasing the
needle: if you chase the CDI in a VOR or LOC approach, you still stay
close to track (in a constant series of S-turns); if you chase the NDB
needle, you end up approaching the NDB downwind from the track.

You got it. The other difference - with the NDB, you absolutely must
keep the DG (if available) on the correct compass heading.

I'm getting a mental picture of someone unfamiliar with how the ADF works
trying to fly an NDB approach traveling forever in circles around the
beacon.

- Andrew

Andrew Gideon writes:

I'm getting a mental picture of someone unfamiliar with how the ADF works
trying to fly an NDB approach traveling forever in circles around the
beacon.

At least they'd be near the airport when they finally ran out of fuel.


All the best,


David

--
David Megginson, , http://www.megginson.com/