In this
case, as it doesn't ask which radial it is following but rather the magnetic
track to be flown, it is important to realise that GS accuracy reduces as the
aircraft nears the DME, therefore, on the R346 the aircraft could follow 346 or
166. Flying 166 would take the aircraft towards the VOR thus reducing the
accuracy, therefore the correct magnetic track to fly would be 346.
The aircraft and VOR are located on the same longitude. The aircraft is on a
bearing of 000° T to the north of the VOR. Magnetic Variation of 14° E is
applied at the VOR.
Variation East Magnetic Least, therefore 000°T becomes 360° - 14° = 346°
Magnetic.
The distance from the VOR to the aircraft:
Distance = Change Long (minutes)
Distance = 2 x 60 + 33
Distance = 153 NM
The maximum range of the signal at FL 310 is taken from the Line of Sight range
formula:
MTR = 1.25 x (SQRT H1 + SQRT H2)
MTR = 1.25 x SQRT 31000
MTR = 1.25 x 176
MTR = 220 NM
At this range there is not going be any significant inaccuracy in GS so this is
a very academic question, rather than practical