Contributing editor Joe Shelton recently wrote about his use of the “turn 10, twist 10” method of flying a DME arc. But with a modern G1000 at the center of his tool set, he learned there is a better way. In fact, all curved courses can become much simpler with a modern navigator and EFIS.
Curved Course Nav
Key Takeaways:
- Traditional methods for flying curved courses like DME arcs and holding patterns require manual techniques and mental calculations, such as the "turn 10, twist 10" method for arcs or a "thumb trick" for hold entries.
- Modern EFIS and GPS navigators significantly simplify flying DME arcs by precisely computing and displaying the exact curved path, providing continuous guidance that can be followed manually or via autopilot.
- While modern navigators assist with charted holding pattern entries and provide precise guidance on the inbound leg, flying the entire hold still requires pilot management, particularly on the outbound leg, as holds are procedural rather than precise ground paths.
- Electronic flight systems eliminate much of the mental workload for curved courses, but pilots should use the PFD for primary navigation and maintain an understanding of underlying principles for optimal situational awareness.
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