Tower Ranger

Years ago many airfields lacked sophisticated radar systems which may negate the need for D/F. There remain many such airfields today.

In the last 20 odd years I`ve worked at a few of them.

All of the Towered ATSU's in Scotland still have DF. Controllers like it as it's a very useful aid for keeping track of where everyone is. Don't understand why it would be removed - even though nowadays we have radar its still a useful aid. And there are stil many towered units outside of CAS with no radar feed.

Smithy

Also from the pilot's perspective, isn't DF the most basic way of doing a controlled descent through cloud?

All you need in the a/c is a radio (you don't even need modulation to give a trace - aka "speechless"), an ability to fly on instruments and a compass.

Recall the days when radar couldn't find us due weather clutter but we did get in off a VDF/QGH.

While I was doing a PAR course at Shawbury, we were invited to 'assist' in the QGH trainer, and watching how a 'speechless, no compass, no gyro' QGH is done was incredible!!

As an outsider
 

OK I'm no ATCO (Did try once) - There's an engineering principle at stake here - Often the simplist technology works well in unforseen circumstances - simple to use for both parties espcially under duress. - Keep those "Bean counters" away from your VDF sets & Ariels. Yes I have seen it in action.-

The technology is old, but forms a tool in the armoury that might be needed by a controller..

Sorry to intrude.

CAT III

Cat III

No need to apologise - you are spot on!

2 s