Radio navigation articles
Articles covering Radio Navigation: VOR and NDB tracking, hold entries, intercepts, position fixing, and instrument reading. Every article cites primary ICAO and FAA sources, and links to the relevant trainer in the simulator so you can practise immediately.
Holding
Entry types, timing, wind corrections. See all holding articles →
How to Determine Hold EntryDirect, parallel, or offset? Use the HSI or DI to pick the correct hold entry. Worked examples, ICAO & FAA references, and a dedicated in-browser trainer.How to Fly the Parallel Hold EntryThe parallel (Sector 1) hold entry: when it applies, how to fly it step by step, and the mistakes pilots make. ICAO and FAA sourced.How to Fly the Offset Hold EntryThe 30° offset (Sector 2) hold entry, also called the teardrop. Geometry, the "gate" QDR, how to fly it. Cited from ICAO Doc 8168 and FAA AIM 5-3-8.How to Fly the Direct Hold EntryThe direct (Sector 3) hold entry: when it applies, how to fly it, and how to handle extreme entries near the sector boundary. ICAO and FAA sourced.
Holding Pattern Timing and Leg LengthComing soon
Wind Correction in the HoldComing soon
How to Fly the Hold Inbound TurnComing soon
Radio navigation tracking
VOR radials, NDB bearings, intercepts, and the instruments (HSI, CDI, RMI, ADF) you read them with. See all radio navigation tracking articles →
How to Track a VOR RadialTune, identify, set the OBS, and track a VOR radial inbound or outbound with wind correction. The radial-vs-course gotcha, TO/FROM sense, and worked example.How to Intercept a VOR RadialVOR intercepts: tune, identify, display, set the course, pick an intercept heading, calculate the wind-corrected heading, and roll out based on closure rate.
How to Calculate a Wind Corrected HeadingComing soon
How to Track to and from an NDBComing soon
How to Read an HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator)Coming soon
Procedures
Position fixing, procedure turns, DME arcs, and other procedures used in instrument flying. See all procedures articles →
How to Take a VOR/DME Position FixComing soon
How to Take a Running Fix (Single Bearing Fix)Coming soon
Why DME Shows Slant Range, Not Ground DistanceComing soon
How to Fly a Procedure TurnComing soon
Tips and quick wins
Short, focused articles on common mistakes, exam gotchas, and the best techniques. See all tips and quick wins articles →
How to Determine Hold Entry from the HSIComing soon
The Clock-Code Mental Shortcut for Drift and GroundspeedComing soon
Wind-Correct a Heading Using the HSIComing soon
How to Calculate Groundspeed from the HSI or DIComing soon
Correcting an Overshoot on the Hold Inbound TurnComing soon
The "Gate" in a Holding PatternComing soon
NDB Holding: Flying the Inbound Turn (with Dip)Coming soon
Extreme Direct Hold EntriesComing soon
The Direct Entry Sector on Instrument ApproachesComing soon
How to Fly a Direct Departure on a Heading and StopwatchComing soon
Try the simulator
All articles reference the Radio Navigator simulator. The free version covers VOR and HSI basics in your browser, no signup. Pro adds dedicated trainers with real-time grading and more instruments and navigation aids.