Aviation term: DME ARC
Flying a DME Arc in Aviation: Mastering the "Turn 10, Twist 10" Technique
Navigating the skies has never been easier with DME ARC (Arc Distance Measuring Equipment) in aviation, a fancy tech term for flying a curved path at a steady distance from a navigation aid. Here's the lowdown on DME arcs, including how to employ the "Turn 10, Twist 10" technique to master this skill.
DME arcs are darn handy for entering and exiting approach patterns, holding patterns, intercepting courses, and joining routes. To get started, set your DME receiver to the desired distance then turn your aircraft to intercept the arc. Adjust your heading in small increments to maintain the chosen distance from the navigation aid.
Now, let's dive into the "Turn 10, Twist 10" technique - a manual method perfect for traditional cockpits lacking moving maps or GPS overlays. As you approach each 10° radial boundary from the navigation aid, turn your heading 10° to follow the arc and simultaneously twiddle the OBS (Omnibearing Selector) knob 10° to update the desired radial. This keeps your aircraft glued to the arc at a steady distance (say, 10 nautical miles) from the station. Even with advanced glass cockpits, understanding this fundamental technique is crucial as GPS and FMS might just automate the process.
Here are a few tips for successfully piloting DME arcs:
- Use a flight computer or GPS unit to calculate the ideal heading and rate of turn.
- Get a sneak peek of the turn and start early to seamlessly intercept the arc.
- Small tweaks to the heading ensure constant distance from the navigation aid.
- Awareness of wind conditions and adjusting the aircraft's heading accordingly is key.
- Rely on visual references or the DME receiver to confirm you're on the money.
DME arcs are a versatile tool that boosts aviation efficiency and safety. With the "Turn 10, Twist 10" technique mastered, you'll have a solid foundation in IFR navigation.
References:
- https://infiniteflight.com/guide/flying-guide/descent-to-landing/dme-arc
- https://aerocorner.com/blog/distance-measuring-equipment/
- https://skybrary.aero/articles/distance-measuring-equipment-dme
- Chart with DME ARC source: https://www.flyingmag.com/chartwise-january-2017/
Insight:
The "Turn 10, Twist 10" technique is all about maintaining a constant distance from the DME station while navigating an arc-shaped path in aviation, particularly during IFR procedures. Here's the nitty-gritty:
- Purpose of DME Arcs: DME arcs help pilots maintain a constant distance from a navigational aid, such as a VOR or DME station. This is especially useful for tasks like holding patterns or initial approach fixes.
- Applying the "Turn 10, Twist 10" Technique: Pilots turn their aircraft 10 degrees in the desired direction to initiate alignment with the arc, adjusting the aircraft's heading another 10 degrees to compensate for the turn. Adjustments must be made continuously to maintain the desired distance and heading.
- Practical Considerations: Proper management of the aircraft's heading to maintain alignment with the arc is essential, considering the aircraft's bank angle and the radius of the turn. Distance management requires close monitoring of the DME distance while inside the arc.
- Modern Avionics: Modern avionics such as the G1000 simplify navigating DME arcs by offering visual cues and automatic calculations for maintaining the correct distance.
- Training and Practice: Familiarity with the "Turn 10, Twist 10" technique comes from regular practice in a simulator or actual flight. Continuous monitoring of the aircraft's position and heading is critical to ensure precise navigation.
In the realm of contemporary aviation, understanding the "Turn 10, Twist 10" technique is vital, as it aids in navigating DME arcs while maintaining a constant distance from a station. This manual method is beneficial for traditional cockpits lacking modern navigation assistance like GPS overlays.
The application of this technique extends beyond simple navigation, empowering pilots to enter and exit approach patterns, holding patterns, and join routes efficiently. With advanced glass cockpits automating the process, knowing this fundamental approach boosts both skill and safety.
