Readback: April 2018

In 1984 when I got my instrument ticket, I was taught to use FROM when identifying crossing radials. I dont know if that is a standard practice or simply my instructors way of doing it. In Octobers Killer Quiz, Gone to the Dogs, you are identifying PLAZA via TO the 173-degree radial. My way would have been to dial in 353 and use a FROM indication.

Editorial Staff

Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots can accurately identify radials using either "TO" or "FROM" indications, with the choice often depending on personal training and preference, as both methods are equally accurate.
The privatization of Air Traffic Control, as experienced in Canada, can lead to operational inefficiencies such as significant clearance delays and communication breakdowns between ATC and customs.
Even with thorough preparation, pilots can be visually surprised by the extent of runway misalignment on approaches, suggesting a need for clearer chart annotations to explicitly highlight such significant offsets for enhanced situational awareness.

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To … or From?

In 1984 when I got my instrument ticket, I was taught to use FROM when identifying crossing radials. I don’t know if that is a standard practice or simply my instructor’s way of doing it. In October’s Killer Quiz, “Gone to the Dogs,” you are identifying PLAZA via TO the 173-degree radial. My way would have been to dial in 353 and use a FROM indication.

At the top of the second column on page 12 it also states “…so you dial a radial from SFO to verify PLAZA.” Again it appears the radial dialed in is TO, not FROM. I’m wondering what your thoughts are on this.