Learning Morse
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire
Learning Morse
Can someone recommend good (free or cheap) resources for learning Morse? Preferably something I can listen to in the car.
I'm at the stage in my PPL training where I need to be able to identify VORs, NDBs, etc.
I'm at the stage in my PPL training where I need to be able to identify VORs, NDBs, etc.
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Amsterdam
Don't worry about it. Most maps have the morse code of a beacon printed right next to the frequency and other important information. Very easy to see if you've got the right beacon.
Failing that, most kneeboards have a list of morse codes printed on them.
Unless this is a lifetime ambition of course. In that case there are several morse code tutor programs available on the internet or from the usual online aviation suppliers.
Failing that, most kneeboards have a list of morse codes printed on them.
Unless this is a lifetime ambition of course. In that case there are several morse code tutor programs available on the internet or from the usual online aviation suppliers.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: The Gusto
Well, kwachon, I do, when my Boeing doesn't auto-ident the station early enough, or if I'm flying one of my other aircraft without auto-ID. So do the other people on my fleet. We learnt it properly years ago so as not to reproduce famous accidents. It's not hard - and it's fun with your kids, if you want to play little games.
If you are aiming to teach yourself, learn at an appropriate speed (words per minute). I can only dream of getting to the speed my Dad achieved in the war.
If you are aiming to teach yourself, learn at an appropriate speed (words per minute). I can only dream of getting to the speed my Dad achieved in the war.
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Land of the Raj
Zorst
I learnt morse too back in the early 70's, all my flying is now done in a glass cockpit where morse idents are translated into text and to be truthful, with the FMS on auto tune, it does all the idents for me. I do understand your point though, the only morse ident I always verify these days is the approach aid in use especially when operating at airports with parallel runways.
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: USA
Try this: http://www.lrjet.com/morse%20code.htm
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: UK,Twighlight Zone
I taught myself using a programme that I download from the web called pilotmorse. It was something like a $15 fee but worth every penny.
You don't need morse for anything under JAA anymore but as has been pointed out by others it is fun to learn and can come in useful.
You don't need morse for anything under JAA anymore but as has been pointed out by others it is fun to learn and can come in useful.
Official PPRuNe Chaplain
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Witnesham, Suffolk
Beacons are very slow - something like 5 wpm.
The RSGB slow morse transmissions are useful but you'd need the right receiver to pick them up. I'd go with one of the free "computer trainers". I wrote one 20-odd years ago, and doubt it would work with a modern PC, but I'm sure there are some out there.
The RSGB slow morse transmissions are useful but you'd need the right receiver to pick them up. I'd go with one of the free "computer trainers". I wrote one 20-odd years ago, and doubt it would work with a modern PC, but I'm sure there are some out there.
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S Warwickshire
I'll second the PilotMorse software.
It took me about 2 evenings with it to get confident for the old CPL Signals exam.
It took me about 2 evenings with it to get confident for the old CPL Signals exam.
The Original Whirly
Joined: Feb 1999
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Do bear in mind that like any other language, if you don't use it you'll lose it. 
Back in 2001 I learned Morse well enough to pass the old CPL exam. But these days I've forgotten most of it - I can barely ident VORs, and often have to check my map or kneeboard. I'd really be inclined to say don't bother with the whole thing. Just make sure you know TST, in case the VOR is being tested, and if it's not that, write down what it's transmitting and look it up.
Back in 2001 I learned Morse well enough to pass the old CPL exam. But these days I've forgotten most of it - I can barely ident VORs, and often have to check my map or kneeboard. I'd really be inclined to say don't bother with the whole thing. Just make sure you know TST, in case the VOR is being tested, and if it's not that, write down what it's transmitting and look it up.
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: UK
I used the £10 CD-ROM sold by Transair, I think it was called Morse Cracker or something like that, I also bought a cheap old (Royal Navy?) Morse tutorial course book for a couple of quid (Ebay) that both did the trick. The book was particularly good and no-nonsense despite being old-fashioned in layout with no fancy colours or pretty graphics.
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From: Right here
Do bear in mind that like any other language, if you don't use it you'll lose it.
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From: Poole
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
I'm an amateur radio operator and I learned morse with the tapes from the ARRL. www.arrl.org. They're radio-oriented instead of aviation-oriented in content but you'll know morse well enough to have a conversation. One tip is: don't write down the dots and dashes. Like any language, morse is a language of sounds. If you'll follow the tapes and translate straight from sound to letters, you're brain will have to perform one less step. This will be really helpful in the air when your busy.