Could anyone explain why the magnetic course shown in the flight plan legs show a different degree than when I use the distance function from the vor?

For instance, flying from OTK to VNA on my flight plan (yellow ribbon) shows 87nm / 352M on the map.

If I use the distance function from OTK and overlay it on the flight plan ribbon, it displays 355M > 358M and 353T. Where did 352M on the flight plan leg ribbon come from?

Seems that 355 is correct as this is what shows up on Skyvector when inputting the same flightplan. 

How do I get the flight plan ribbon with the distance / magnetic number to show 355M?

Do I have a configuration setup incorrectly somewhere?

I fly the Bae 146 without the FMS so I need the number to dial into the VOR course to track the correct radial. 

Thanks

Edited September 27, 20223 yr by lancealotg

This depends on a lot of variables.

Data below based on X-Plane data and Navigraph cycle 2209. Values from other simulators and Navdata might be different.

VNA has a calibrated declination of 1°E but the actual declination at this point on earth is 5.8°W.
OTK has a calibrated declination of 2°W but the actual declination at this point on earth is 5.7°W.

LNM always uses the declination of the VOR you're flying *towards* (1°E) when calculating the flight plan course (source). You can switch this off on the options page "Flight Plan" as mentioned in the manual. Disabling this will result in a course 358°M/353°T based on the 5.8°W at VNA but will not track the VNA correctly.

It also depends how you use the distance function. LNM will use the calibrated declination if you start the measurement at a VOR. You can notice this if the ID of the VOR appears in the label. Starting the line elsewhere will use the "normal" declination.

Also, a great circle line has different start and end course as well (not really in your case since your fly more or less South to North) and also different declination at start and end of the line which adds even more to the fun.

Hope this helps a bit.

No sure what Skyvector is doing there.

Alex

I figured this would be complicated. 

When I use the distance function from the VOR, it shows 355M.

That is the correct course for VOR tracking as the numbers I used from the flight plan (352) gets me off course. 

Is it possible to have that number (355) show up on the flight plan ribbon?

I fly in VR so I'd rather not reference webpages while in flight. 

 

 

 

Edited September 27, 20223 yr by lancealotg

The track to VNA is 352.682°T which results in 352° rounded using the VOR calibration. Use this if you fly towards VNA old-school and ignore any FMS and GPS courses in this case.

Outbound OTK results in 355°M.

I can add optional start and end course for the lines. Maybe. Have to see. At least this is planned.

Alex

 

 

 

Ok, but I think outbound is more important as in most cases you can't receive the next vor yet (VNA) to fly inbound. 

Not knowing the outbound course will make it difficult to fly the flight plan correctly. 

I am not sure how many sim pilots only fly vor to vor so I understand the amount of work to correct this might not be worth the effort. 

 

I was getting a bit bored in cruise when flying with the fmc, it does everything for you. 

When I fly old school, no FMC option in the Bae 146, I am almost constantly busy the whole flight working the nav radios.

The Bae 146 also has no auto throttle, so you have to also manage the thrust throughout the flight. Its GREAT !!!

Makes a complete flight much more rewarding when you manage all the systems and touch down without ever referencing a moving map.  

 

Thanks for the help Alex

 

 

 

 

I'll try to add the outbound course too. Maybe as a not-moving small arrow with label at start and end of a segment.

The confusing course is going on my nerves too for a long time.🙃

Alex

👍