DC9 drivers past and present
 

How does one know where they are without GPS/glass? I'm scared!!!

It's called VOR ground based navigation. You use an HSI to dial in a radial, & then you cross reference the DME to find your position. I tease, I tease! :D

But usually, ATC doesn't like where you are and just gives you a heading. :p

Just like the old Cessnas we all flew, only at much higher altitudes. That being said, one of my best friends flew one for a short period, and there was a rumor that some guys used dash-mounted GPS (not allowed of course).

I heard that rumor. I NEVER saw one on the line.

We used a combination of dead reckoning, radar vectors, and VOR/DME. Some of the flights are so short, you can take-off, point the plane in the right direction, then see the destination airport. Some examples are GRR-DTW, FNT-DTW, TOL-DTW, etc. I always had a mental map in my head that was almost as accurate as the GPS. Amazing, huh? I was always amazed at how many DME's weren't working without being NOTAM'd.

Think of the"Window" as an ND you can't change the scale on. Also, no "Center" function, you're always in the top half of the HSI. Now, if they'd just paint Interstates magenta.

DZL 9s?
 

What about us 727 drivers used to run down to the islands out of EWR on ADF's?

U guys are _ussies:) Ex MNL freighter for those in the know


Freight

REALLY?!?!?!

What was that book called(Instrument Flying Handbook)? Actually one of the best books the feds ever wrote. I would follow contrails too, because if they went in the right direction they were more accurate than the wandering CDI.

Just break out the road maps and follow the highways

just call up the nearest flight service station an ask for a DF steer:D

I did that once. Didn't work out the way I had hoped :) I still like pilotage.

USMCFLYR