FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceHard
An aircraft's ADF indicator shows a relative bearing of 030° to an NDB station while the aircraft's magnetic heading is 090°. What is the magnetic bearing FROM the aircraft TO the station?
- A120°
- B030°
- C060°
- D150°
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 120°
Magnetic bearing to the station equals relative bearing plus magnetic heading: MB = RB + MH = 030° + 090° = 120°. If the sum exceeds 360°, 360° is subtracted, but that is not needed here.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is only the relative bearing, not the magnetic bearing.
- C. This subtracts instead of adding the relative bearing.
- D. This adds an extra 30° beyond the correct sum.
ADF Relative Bearing Formula
The magnetic bearing to an NDB station equals the relative bearing shown on the ADF indicator plus the aircraft's magnetic heading (subtract 360° if the sum exceeds 360°).
- RB is measured clockwise from the nose of the aircraft
- MH + RB = MB (station)
- Used for NDB orientation and homing/tracking
Memory trick: 'MH plus RB equals MB — Add to find the Bearing.'