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What is the importance of Vector Analysis and how easily and often do pilots apply it??

Asked by: 9080 views Student Pilot

I've recently started studying my navigation section and came across vector analysis. Im quite good at it mathematically but cant verbally explain what is it actually for to pilots. I know it obviously for navigating but to what extent does it help and how often is it used??

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1 Answers



  1. Nathan Parker on Oct 27, 2012

    The vast majority of pilots can’t perform a vector analysis, at least mathematically. They’ll have some intuitive sense of how to compensate for a crosswind, but will rely on the instruments to determine exactly how much.

    I’d say that vector analysis is mainly useful as an educational tool to demonstrate how particular variables affect piloting tasks. The actual task of computing how much these variables affect the piloting task will be determined 1) in flight, 2) by flight planning software, 3) or, heaven forbid, by an E6B.

    Now, personally, I use vector analysis quite a lot to demonstrate various aspects of aircraft performance, but, as an engineer, it comes as naturally as breathing.

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