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Access to Asheville

** The story of how physical and mental fatigue
contributed to a familiar, yet fatal mistake.**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article presents a challenging simulated IFR flight scenario requiring navigation solely by basic VORs due to a widespread GPS outage and other equipment failures (DME, ADF).
  • Pilots must perform complex IFR procedures under adverse weather conditions, including multiple instrument approaches, a missed approach, and visual departures.
  • The mission involves flying to a graduation, picking up a stranded father, and adapting to dynamic ATC instructions and unexpected equipment malfunctions like a glideslope failure.
  • The exercise emphasizes traditional pilotage skills, precise adherence to procedures, and decision-making when deprived of modern navigation technology.
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When you were seven, your mother sent your father to the store for milk, and he came back three years later—but only because he got lost. At least that’s the way your mom liked to tell it. Now it’s time for your dad to see his granddaughter (your daughter) graduate from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Unfortunately, that’s a liberal arts school, so you’re really celebrating your child moving back in with you in about a month. But hey, at least everyone was happy for the last five years. (Yeah, five. Don’t ask.)

No-GPS Setup

Your dad’s drive from Greenville would be simple, except there’s a widespread GPS outage due to some military testing that seems to have gone awry. Your dad can’t find his way to tomorrow without Siri, and neither can all the other motorists clogging the streets. If the two of you will make this graduation, you’ll have to do it by air—and with only two basic nav radios. Ready?

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