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I Dunno, Alaska

IFR between the mountains and under the midnight sun gives a Sim Challenge that Wild West feel. So does firing up that vintage ADF.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article outlines two highly challenging IFR simulation flights in Alaska, designed to test pilot navigation skills using a mix of modern GPS and traditional ADF/VOR systems in complex terrain and adverse weather.
  • The first scenario (Iliamna to Nondalton) features an intricate GPS-managed NDB-based ODP with multiple turns and a hold, followed by an RNAV approach to a short, gravel runway, highlighting the difficulties of precise navigation and landing in low visibility.
  • The second scenario (Juneau) simulates a GPS failure, forcing reliance on "old-school" navigation for a terrain-intensive ODP and an LDA X approach with extreme offset and high minimums, demonstrating procedures that are exceptionally difficult or legally impossible to complete to a landing under the simulated conditions.
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By Ryan Koch and Jeff Van West

For this challenge you’ll take on two flights in Alaska, with IFR procedures like you’ve never seen before. Well, unless you’ve flown in Alaska. You’ll need an IFR GPS for the first flight and an ADF for the second. Any plane with modest performance will do the job. In fact, slow could be your friend on this one.

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