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Classic Airplane Series — “Dead Reckoning Navigation”
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Region: New England NSW → Coffs Coast
Navigation: Watch + Compass (VFR)
Weather: Clear skies, 0 wind
Altitude: 5,500 ft AGL
Total Distance: 186 NM Flight Time: ≈ 2 h 06 m + 15 min break at Armidale
Event Goals
Dead Reckoning is the foundation of all air navigation — the art of determining position by time, speed, heading, and distance alone.
This event challenges pilots to:
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Maintain precise headings without GPS or vectors.
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Calculate leg times using airspeed = groundspeed (no wind).
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Cross‑check visual landmarks against planned checkpoints.
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Log ETA vs ATA at each waypoint to verify accuracy.
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Develop disciplined cockpit timing and situational awareness.
The goal is not speed, but consistency and accuracy — a return to the fundamentals of pilotage.
Route Overview
| Leg | Ident | Name | Course (°M) | Distance (NM) | Time @ 90 KTAS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YSTW | Tamworth | — | — | — | Departure |
| 2 | YWCH | Walcha | 71 | 37 | 25 | Overfly |
| 3 | YARM | Armidale | 006° | 17.7 | 12 min | 15‑min break |
| 4 | YKMP | Kempsey | 108° | 68 | 45 min | Overfly |
| 5 | YSWK | South West Rocks | 044° | 16 | 11 min | Overfly |
| 6 | YCFS | Coffs Harbour | 355° | 37 | 25 min | Arrival |
Briefing Notes
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Use stopwatch for each leg; record elapsed time.
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Maintain steady compass heading; no drift correction required.
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Identify terrain features: rail lines, rivers, ridges, and towns.
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Pause at Armidale for 15 minutes — refuel, stretch, and log progress.
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Resume descent toward the coast via Guy Fawkes River National Park.
Scenic Highlights
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New England Tablelands ridge lines
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Armidale valley break stop
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Descent through Guy Fawkes River National Park
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Coastal arrival over South West Rocks and Coffs Harbour beaches
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PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION USE ONLY.
Regards, Paul