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:
- The article contrasts traditional manual techniques for flying DME arcs (e.g., "turn 10, twist 10") and determining holding pattern entries (a "thumb trick") with the capabilities of modern EFIS and GPS navigators.
- Modern avionics significantly simplify flying DME arcs by automatically computing and displaying the precise curved course, providing continuous guidance via the CDI, and enabling coupled autopilot flight.
- For holding patterns, while modern systems offer some guidance for charted holds (like entry cues and inbound leg tracking), they provide less continuous steering due to the hold's variable nature, requiring pilots to still manage aspects like the outbound track.
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