Regaining track by angle & landmark methods
Four methods regain track (TP 1102):
| Method | Action | Result / needs |
|---|---|---|
| Double the track error | Turn 2x track error (or opening angle), toward required track | Regains track in about the drift-off time, at twice the distance from set heading to turn point. Once on track, undo half the correction |
| Opening and closing angle | Turn the sum of opening + closing angle, toward required track | Direct to destination, not back to original line |
| Visual alteration | Fly to positively identified point on required track. Then fly original heading corrected by track error (090 with 6 right error becomes 084) | Good landmarks. Pinpoint confidently on required track |
| Drift compensation | Pick two checkpoints ahead on desired track, 5 to 10 nm or more apart | Visibility to see enough checkpoints for accurate track |
Drift compensation steps:
- Hold heading that keeps near checkpoint lined up with far one.
- Heading holds track until wind changes.
- Pick new far checkpoint before reaching near one. Repeat.
Trap: turning by track error alone (not doubled) only parallels required track, not regaining it. After a visual fix, fly the corrected heading, not the original.
References
- TP 1102, Pilot Navigation (The Double the Track Error Method; The Opening and Closing Angle Method; The Visual Alteration Method; The Drift Compensation Method; Heading Corrections)