Interactive Simulator
ADF Simulator
Interpret the ADF needle and convert relative bearings to magnetic with confidence. Fly homings and intercepts to an NDB and see how the fixed-card needle behaves through station passage.
ADFNDBRelative bearingHoming
Caution: the behaviour of the instruments and information shown is approximate, for illustration and study only, and may not reflect the exact readings of a real aircraft.
Instructions for use
The ADF has a fixed card with 0 at the nose, so the needle shows the relative bearing to the NDB — the angle from your nose to the station, measured clockwise. It does not know your heading.
Reading it
- Magnetic bearing to the station = heading + relative bearing (drop 360 if it goes over). The readouts show all three so you can check yourself.
- Needle on the nose (000 RB) = tracking straight to the station; on the tail (180 RB) = station directly behind.
- To home to the NDB, turn to put the needle on the nose and keep it there.
Try this
- Press Fly, then turn until the needle points to 0 — you are homing to the NDB.
- Switch to + Heading and practise adding heading to the relative bearing to get the magnetic bearing.
Keep training
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