Old School Approaches

Prior to  GPS, most aerial navigation in the US was based on radio systems known as VOR/DME. But VOR/DME didn't become popular until the 1960s due to costs. Prior to that, a low frequency radio range system was  used. And in bad weather, that meant some creative techniques were required to allow jets to safely descend and approach an airport. 

 

 

Comments

[SFC Dunlap 173d RVN]

I'm remembering a scene from "Strategic Air Command" where
Jimmie Stewart lands a B-47 at Kadena AB on Okinawa in pretty much zero-zero conditions.

[FormerFlyer]

Good GAWD, I forgot how much flying a 4 course range sucked. No wonder we used to have to make so many aircraft of each type of aircraft; they were scattered in wads of aluminum around their airfields after minor mistakes in flying these "penetrations."

I only ever got to fly one 4 course range. Made me wish I was still driving the fuel truck, instead of flying the plane. They were all but phased out by the time I had my license. I had enough trouble with NDB approaches as it was.

FormerFlyer