3 Q's
Where am I?
Outbound tail of the needle points to the trk.Inbound the head of the needle points to the trk. (using RMI) NB**if fixed card simply overlay onto DG.
Where do I want to go?
Easy just look at the DG find the radial your are on and the one you want.
Which way do I turn? (See end note)
Imagine yourself on the bottom of the of the needle (regardless of the head or tail) and as said push or pull it so that the head or tail of the needle moves to where you want it to go, depending if you are outbound in which case the head will be on the bottom, hence the tail will point to the outbound trk.If inbound, the head is on the top and points to the trk and the tail is what you push pull to move the head. (this is all in relation to the DG remember NOT THE ADF ITSELF so you have to overlay it the ADF onto DG)
Next, when do I stop turning? For OUTBOUND INTERCEPTS-When the trk required and the tail are on the same side. The tail of the needle is below the trk required (because it drops)and it is outside a 30 degree arc either side of the top of the DG.
INBOUND INTERCEPTS-When the trk required and the HEAD is on the same side.The HEAD of the needle is ABOVE the trk required (because it drops)and it is outside a 30 degree arc either side of the top of the DG.
** If you wish to speed up the intercept turn more than the 30 degree arc and you will intercept it faster.**
Remember OUTBOUND TO OUTBOUND turn the shortest way.
INBOUND TO OUTBOUND turn the longest way.
OUTBOUND TO INBOUND turn the longest way.
ie around the DG.
Practice will only make it stick but this is the easiest way I know to teach it. I had troubles too. Its not a girl thing. It took a wise and old pilot to teach me an easy situationally aware method of doing intercepts. Hope it helps.