Don Tuite wrote in message . ..

On Thu, 21 Aug 2003 02:19:32 -0000,
(journeyman) wrote:
FWIW, this technique is the subject of a couple of questions in the
IFR written test question bank. It's an interesting academic exercise,
but I can't see much practical use for it, especially IFR.

Morris, as I think I mentioned, for the technique itself I concur.

The IFR written questions, though, are just geared towards seeing
if the pilot is aware of the relationship between distance from
the VOR vs. distance between radials.

I do think there's some practical use for that awareness. For
one thing, it allows one to understand what the error may be on
a VOR approach where the VOR is 20-30 nm off the field (there
are a number of those around here). For another, it is helpful
in understanding how to intercept a radial smoothly at varying
distances from the station, something at which I could improve.

I believe it's a variation on a technique in *American Practical
Navigator* (Bowditch) for determining how far a sailing vessel is off
a lee-shore headland. It was probably known to Odysseus.

Interesting, Don. I suppose it's off-topic, but could you explain?
The reference to Odysseus implies that it's very low technology.

It may have been known to Odysseus, but my impression is, it's
not known to many of today's pilots . We just had our #2 OBS
repaired, and our avionics repairman opined that 9 out of 10
pilots couldn't find our airport from a nearby VOR with 2 working
NAVS, 2 working OBS, 2 hands, and a flashlight. He might have a point.

Thanks,
Sydney