Most summer-time VFR flying takes place on sunny days at uncontrolled aerodromes. When flying 1,000 feet above ground — whether in the airport traffic pattern or while flying cross-country at low levels — you should be able to see the shadow of your aircraft as it tracks over the ground.

Why not turn such an observation into a means for mid-air collision avoidance? If you can see only one shadow, more than likely it means that there is only one aircraft in the vicinity: yours. If there are two shadows, look-out! Someone is getting too close to you.

Use this technique and you’ll be a safer, better and more conscientious pilot, beyond a shadow of a doubt…

Using Your ADF as a Turn Indicator

As a back-up emergency device when flying VFR or even IFR in an aircraft that has an ADF on board that is not being used as a primary navigation aid, it is good practice to get in the habit of keeping the ADF pointing to a broadcast station, or to an NDB, or a marine beacon, that is directly ahead of the aircraft and along the proposed route. This safeguard will help pilots keep oriented when encountering clouds, rough air, or if the directional gyro should suddenly fail.

Should an aircraft’s compass or DG malfunction, or when flying at night when reference to instruments is necessary even for VFR flight, the ADF needle pointing straight ahead is an excellent reference and will enable a pilot to keep the aircraft from unintentionally turning. By using the ADF needle as a turn indicator, a pilot is better able to maintain control of the aircraft even when breakdowns in other vital directional instruments occur.

Calculating the Time It Takes.

It always takes longer than you think – this cardinal rule applies to all flight operations. Experienced pilots use it when contemplating estimated times of arrival, terminal delays, forecast weather improvements, takeoff and landing distances or aircraft repairs.