Do I really need an ADF endorsement?
 

Hi Guys, I did a search but came up with nothing.


I have recently obtained an MEIR with endorsements in GNSS,VOR and ILS. Is it worth adding the ADF? From what I hear it's not really used in NZ anymore, at least not by Nelson and Mt Cook.


Are they still using it in Aussie much?

Probably not. But handy for alternate requirements.

D.

Every aerodrome with an NDB now has an RNAV approach - we tend to go from RNAV to RNAV now and only fly NDBs to maintain currency.

...but not sure why we bother! :ugh:

This is probably the first year I'd say it but no, not any more. I'm doing a blokes instrument training now and he's decided he's not doing the NDB.

All good until the GPS goes pzzzsssttt .....

If you not ADF endorsed on your licence, is it still be legal to tune into the nearest radio station to gain updated operational information such as the ABC news?

Good grief, a different endorsement for every navaid? :eek: And I thought the FAA was anal. God bless America.

Does it even matter any more because part 61 is just azimuth or CDI guidance, 2D and 3D, negating the need to be tested on an NDB now? Or wait, have we just identified another issue with the changeover?

Question; if a port has NDB and DME only, no RNAV approach, can you legally do a DME arrival using the NDB for azimuth guidance? I don't think you can if you are not current or have a rating on NDB. Or even the VOR out of service.
If your GPS is pzzzzzssst as said before or RAIM not available and have to go back to ground based navaids.
I think you would be stuffed, and as stated before good for alternate.
Craven.

You'd better get onto ASA and all the private NDB owners and tell them not to rip all their NDB's out :ok: or their VOR's, coz they're going too :ok:

Mount Cook still do NDB approaches every couple of OCA cycles (I believe because CAA have told them they have to).

My understanding is that Cook still fly NDB's, Eagle certainly do. AirNSN don't, I don't think crews at NSN are even checked/endorsed on NDB's anymore.

Car RAMROD

See 61.860 (5)

Get an ADF endorsement, because no one will let you fly their aeroplane unless you know how to do an NDB. Because that's how we did it when men were men! ;)

GPS? Pffft, why use modern technology when you can use a 70 year old piece of crap! :}

Just fly the NDB approach on the GPS :E

The domestic A320 don't have an ADF fitted! The B773 and B789 don't have ADF fitted! The replacement A320 will not have ADF fitted either.

However the next job you have will probably still require NDB approaches if Airways have not pulled them out so you should really have it on your licence.

Just did my CAANZ IFR renewal (jet/Multi crew) and the form said for Mandatory items: "GNSS and VOR OR NDB approach competency..."

Australia I think is catching up as an NDB was required a year ago but can not confirm this now.

For smaller types and regionals it would be advisable (& great practice) to be endorsed but for heavier jet types the NDB is becoming more and more irrelevant as GPS & IRS navigation reliability can get you down to a bee's d#*k.

Happy Landings:ok:

Many of the posts above are irrelevant, as the OP is in NZ. So, in NZ:

You can use any navaid you like, enroute. You don't need an alternate just because the destination only has a GPS approach. VOR approaches are available all over the country.

So, in NZ, I can see no reason to put NDB approaches on the IR, unless your next job requires it. (Which it usually doesn't.)

At least, that's the advice I used to give between about 2008 & 2011. I don't imagine NZ has gone backwards since!

Australia, different story altogether. Different advice required.

might not ever see a need for it legally but tracking needles is a handy skill for the tool box.

never know when you might be down to a vor needle on a rmi.

As has been mentioned here, Mt Cook do still perform NDB approaches.

If you want a job in the links, it does pay to have the NDB endorsement as it is one less thing for them to knock you back with.