PilotEdge Forums

I'm watching all the workshop videos and very excited to join PilotEdge, but I'm having trouble with one concept, knowing when I'm about to enter a new airspace (Bravo, Charlie, Delta etc.) I've read that you do it via GPS, but I cant figure out how, I'm using the default 172SP in Xplane 10, and also got a 172SP with a Garmin1000 and STILL couldn't figure it out. I know this is one of the most important steps for VFR so you can establish coms, especially Bravo airspace, I don't want to have my hand slapped because I went into Bravo and didn't ask clearance.


(I know I posted this in the training section too, just wasn't sure which one it went in)

Great question. A r/w GPS can be helpful, but the stock X-Plane GPS will be useless as it doesn't have the data to depict Bravo airspace. As was mentioned in the workshops, many of the shelves of the Bravo can be identified with DME and/or radials from nearby VORs (the SAN Bravo is a great example). You can also use landmarks and topography to keep track of where you are, also known as pilotage. This is an important skill to have, with or without GPS.

If there is a VOR on the field you can use the DME for distance. About the only thing the stock GPS is good for navigation wise is direct to navigation. However, you can us that function as a DME, but just be careful you are navigating with correct source. Make sure your GPS is set to VLOC. That way your nav signal to your CDI will be the VOR. Class D airspace has a typical radius of 4 NM and class C has a surface area radius of 5 NM and the shelf radius of 10 NM. The bravo is a little more difficult, especially LAX, since it is so all over the place. Keith's advise is very good in regards to situational awareness with respect to VFR flight.

Brian