correct as is TSD Direct Route Line?

[Leg2ion]

Does the TSD Direct Route Line move with the aircraft symbol if you have created a bespoke route line. 

So as a for instance I am flying to WP1, then create an alternative point, select DIR and use my MFD cursor to select it. I then get a route line from my current position to my new point, but the line doesn't reduce in size or stay bound to my aircraft symbol as I fly it - is this correct?

[ShuRugal]

This is pretty much standard for all GPS navigators.

When you use the "direct to" feature on almost any GPS nav unit, it shows the desired course line from the point where you initiated "direct to".

The reason for this is to enable Course Deviation features to let the pilot know when the aircraft is wandering from the course.  If the course line latched to the aicraft, then there would be no way to indicate to the pilot that the aircraft has drifted off the commanded line.

[=475FG= Dawger]

A constant direct bearing to the chosen location would result in a curved route that could spiral the station due to wind. 

[Leg2ion]

 

On 3/11/2025 at 1:20 PM, ShuRugal said:

This is pretty much standard for all GPS navigators.

When you use the "direct to" feature on almost any GPS nav unit, it shows the desired course line from the point where you initiated "direct to".

The reason for this is to enable Course Deviation features to let the pilot know when the aircraft is wandering from the course.  If the course line latched to the aircraft, then there would be no way to indicate to the pilot that the aircraft has drifted off the commanded line.

I guess my thoughts were along the lines of not being too bothered about course deviation, just asking if it was correct as it looked 'odd', as once deviated from (for whatever reason) it sort of becomes an 'Indirect' Route Line. 

 

On 3/11/2025 at 8:00 PM, =475FG= Dawger said:

A constant direct bearing to the chosen location would result in a curved route that could spiral the station due to wind. 

Yep? But that is what you have using the steering bug - as it would constantly change to show a direct to, having to fly an offset dependent on wind, regardless of the line, to minimise the flight path deviation.

Thanks both for the input. 

[Dragon1-1]

1 hour ago, Leg2ion said:

Yep? But that is what you have using the steering bug - as it would constantly change to show a direct to, having to fly an offset dependent on wind, regardless of the line, to minimise the flight path deviation.

The difference is that you're able to see how much flight path deviation you have, if you don't do this perfectly. A "direct to" command assumes you mean to fly in straight line from your current position to the designated point. Particularly when the ATC clears you direct to some point, you'll be expected to stick to that line reasonably closely.

[=475FG= Dawger]

15 hours ago, Leg2ion said:

 

I guess my thoughts were along the lines of not being too bothered about course deviation, just asking if it was correct as it looked 'odd', as once deviated from (for whatever reason) it sort of becomes an 'Indirect' Route Line. 

 

Yep? But that is what you have using the steering bug - as it would constantly change to show a direct to, having to fly an offset dependent on wind, regardless of the line, to minimise the flight path deviation.

Thanks both for the input. 

By steering bug, I assume you mean a bearing pointer. With a bearing pointer, you must always keep the bearing it is pointing to the same in order to correct for wind. The course line drawn with a direct TO function is just a permanent representation of that initial bearing. 

Edited Thursday at 01:06 PM by =475FG= Dawger

[Leg2ion]

Guys - thanks for the input. I do understand nav, wind effect, bearing v heading etc  - in my OP I was purely asking whether what I was seeing was correct, and was curious whether the direct line route should/would stay tethered to my aircraft to show a constant relationship between me and my selected point as I either deviated from it or transitioned towards that point.

It doesn't.