Delco-Carousel IV-A Inertial Navigation System

This tutorial is to help you get to grips with navigating using the Delco-Carousel IV-A
Inertial Navigation System. The Felis 747-200 comes with three independent, custom-coded
INS systems for long-range navigation without the use of VOR and NDB stations. The INS
can look intimidating on first glance, and certainly provides you with a lot to keep busy with
during cruise. But the more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll become with it.
INS Overview
INS Mode Selector

All three INS mode selectors are located on the overhead panel.
 OFF – the INS is inoperative.
 STBY – only used in ground operation. STBY sets the INS unit to…standby. This
setting is typically used for turnaround flights.
 ALIGN – the INS is ready to be aligned. In ALIGN mode, enter the gate co-ordinates
into the latitude and longitude displays of the slaved INS unit. It is possible to skip
ALIGN mode and go straight to NAV.
 NAV – the INS is ready to be used for navigation. NAV mode must be selected
before moving the aircraft.
 ATT – the ATT mode is used only to provide INS attitude signals. The INS will be
unusable for navigation in this position. If the ATT is set, the INS must be realigned
after returning to NAV.
The READY NAV light illuminates when the INS is available for navigation.
The BAT light will illuminate when the INS automatically shuts down due to low battery.
INS Unit

HINT – pressing the latitude or longitude windows once allows you to type in co-ordinates
using the keyboard.
1 – Latitude window.
2 – Longitude window.
3 – HOLD key. Used in conjunction with the other INS units to stop the present position from
changing, perform position updates, display the present inertial position, eradicate a position
update and display recorded malfunction codes. The HOLD key illuminates when pressed a
first time and goes out either when pressed a second time, or if inserted data is accepted by
the INS.
4 – REMOTE key. This is used to load waypoints into all three INS units simultaneously. All
three INS units must have the REMOTE key pressed to cross-enter the data.
5 – INSERT key. This is used to insert data into the INS.
6 – ALERT lamp. This will illuminate two minutes before reaching the next waypoint. If the
AUTO-MAN switch is in MAN, this light will only go out when either AUTO is selected or
when a course change is inserted.
7 – BAT lamp. This will illuminate when the INS is operating on battery power. When the
INS warms up, this will illuminate for 10 seconds and will extinguish when OK. If there is a
battery problem the WARN lamp will illuminate.
8 – WARN lamp. This will illuminate when the INS detects an error.
9 – Key presses.
10 – CDU Data selector. Switches between various modes and displays. The dial on the top
controls the illumination on the INS.
11 – Waypoint selector. This shows the waypoint by sequence. The data selector must be in
WAYPT.
12 – FROM/TO display. This shows which waypoint the INS is leaving and the next
waypoint it’s navigating to. The normal sequence is 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, but this can be
changed at any time by using the WYPT CHG key.
13 – WYPT CHG key. This is used to change the current waypoint sequence. There are two
options here:
 Bypass. If you want to fly from one waypoint to another and bypass the in-between
waypoints in the meantime, press the originating and desired waypoint. For example,
if ATC clears you like this: United 812, route direct NIPLE then SIMPS – say NIPLE
is waypoint 3 and SIMPS is waypoint 6 on your flight plan. You would enter 36 in
WYPT CHG and press INSERT.
 Direct from the current position to a selected waypoint. If you want to simply fly
directly from your current position to SIMPS, press WYPT CHG, then 07, then
INSERT.

14 – AUTO/MAN switch. The default setting for this is AUTO. This allows the INS to
automatically transition between waypoints. If in MAN, the INS will not switch to track to
the next waypoint but will continue to set out signals to maintain the desired track for the
completed navigation leg.
 The TEST switch is used by depressing the top of the AUTO/MAN switch. This will
test the indicating lamps and displays on the INS.
CDU Modes
TK/GS

The TK/GS mode displays the current track angle in the latitude display (from zero to 359.9
degrees and to the nearest tenth of a degree with respect to true north) and the current
groundspeed (from 0 to 2,400 knots) in the longitude display. If the groundspeed is below 75
knots, the track will display true heading.
HDG/DA

The HDG/DA displays the aircraft’s current heading and drift angle. The heading is displayed
in the latitude window from 0 to 359.9 degrees and to the nearest tenth of a degree with
respect to true north. The drift angle is displayed in the longitude window from 0 to 180
degrees right-or-left of the aircraft’s heading. This will read 0 if the groundspeed is below 75
knots.
XTE/TKE

Cross-track distance and track angle error is indicated when the CDU selector it set to
XTK/TKE. Cross-track distance (the perpendicular distance from the computed track and
your current position) is displayed in the latitude window from 0 to 999.9 nautical miles right
or left of the desired track, to the nearest tenth of a nautical mile. Track angle error (the
difference between your current position and the DSRTK) is displayed in the longitude
window from 0 to 180 degrees (for example, this display reads 68L.) The angle between the
desired track angle and heading is displayed when the groundspeed is below 75 knots.
POS

POS mode is used for entering the aircraft’s co-ordinates in preparation for INS alignment.
To enter the co-ordinates:
 Rotate the Waypoint Selector to 0.
 Press the either N or S on the keys (depending on which hemisphere) and enter in the
first five latitude numbers of the gate position. Press INSERT.
 Press either W or E on the keys and enter in the first six longitude numbers of the gate
position. Press INSERT.
WAYPT

The WAYPT mode allows for the entry of flight plan waypoints. The INS can hold 9
waypoints at a time. No. 0 starts as the gate co-ordinates and will update in flight. This
waypoint cannot be changed. To enter waypoints:
 Select 1 in the waypoint selector.
 Enter latitude first, the same way you enter the gate co-ordinates.
 Repeat for longitude.
 Repeat for waypoints 2 through 9.
 Hint – press the REMOTE key on all 3 INS units to enter the waypoints into all three
INS simultaneously.
DIS/TIME

DIS/TIME mode displays the current distance to the nearest waypoint and the estimated time
to arrive. DIS mode is displayed in the latitude window on a value of 0 to 9,999 nautical
miles. TIME, based on the current groundspeed, is measured in increments from 0 to 999.9
minutes. The TIME display will always read 999.9 when the groundspeed is under 10 knots.
You can use this to check the distance and time between waypoints further down the flight
plan. Press WYPT CHG and select the desired waypoints. Make sure NOT TO press
INSERT, and to press CLEAR when finished. You can use this to check the INS distance
corresponds with your flight plan.
 Hint: When doing a distance check, to check the next waypoint simply press the digit.
For example, let’s say you’re checking 2 to 3 but want to check 3 to 4 next. Simply
press 4 and INS will show the distance between 3 and 4 now.
WIND

The WIND display shows the current wind direction and speed. Wind direction is displayed
in the latitude window in increments of 0 to 359 degrees. Speed is displayed in the longitude
window in increments of 0 to 650 knots. Both direction and speed will read 0 when the
airspeed is lower than the air data set.
Hint – you can use the wind speed and direction to better plan and control your descent.
When in WIND mode, press HOLD and the latitude window will display the nose wind and
the longitude window the crosswind. N denotes a headwind and S a tailwind in the latitude
window, and L a crosswind from the left and R a crosswind from the right in the longitude
window. You can use this for descent planning, and in the real world it was used to detect a
change in wind conditions on approach.
DSRTK/STS

DSRTK/STS displays the desired track angle to the selected waypoint and the status of
alignment. The latitude window displays the desired track angle in 0 to 359 degrees to the
nearest degree in respect to true north.
The longitude window displays the INS status. The numbers are (from left to right):
 The INS unit operating mode. This digit indicates which operation mode the INS is in.
1 means the INS is aligned and 0 means it is unaligned. This digit is not slaved to the
mode selector on the overhead. It is slaved to the internal INS alignment.
 The performance index number. When aligning the INS, this number will start at 9
and decrease as the INS aligns. When it reaches a value of 5 or below, the INS can be
safely used for navigation.
 The desired performance index number. This digit is set to 5 by default. You can
change it by pressing the desired value in the keypad than pressing INSERT
You can also use the DSRTK/STS function to enable INS triple mix. When using 3 INS
systems, this will take inputs from all three and provide a single output to average out any
error. Enable this by pressing 04 in the keypad than pressing INSERT. This will also allow
you to take advantage of DME updating. At the end of a flight, press 1 and INSERT to cancel
any triple mix and in-flight updates. You can only do this in the DSRTK/STS page.
INS operation during flight
INS Test and Alignment
Align the INS at flight origination and intermediate stops.
Make sure both Radio Master switches are set to ON before aligning the INS.
Select both RADIO/INS switches to INS.
Perform the following on each INS:
 Place INS mode selector to NAV. If you are doing the second leg of a flight and have
not started from cold and dark, place the mode selector to STBY until the INSERT
light illuminates, then select NAV.
 Place the CDU data selector to POS.
 Press CDU test switch and observe that 8s appear in the data windows, all CDU and
MSU lights illuminate, the INS comparator light for the set being tested is on.
 Check the appropriate HSI for alert light on.
 Release the test switch and observe that the INSERT light remains on.
Return both RADIO/INS switches to RADIO.
Obtain the co-ordinates for your current position using either charts, XP data or the EFB.
Load latitude and INSERT. Load longitude and INSERT. Check INSERT light extinguishes.
Repeat for all three INS units. Make sure to double-check the co-ordinates for all three units.
You can’t use REMOTE to do this, you have to do each INS unit separately.
Place CDU data selector to DSTRK/STS. Observe the 9 5 lights on the longitude data
window. When the 9 counts down to 5 or below and the reading indicates at least 5 5, the INS
can be used for navigation. Enable triple mix in the INS by typing 4 and pressing INSERT in
the DSTRK/STS page.
INS Waypoint Entry
Rotate the CDU selector to WAYPT.
Press the REMOTE key on all 3 INS units to load simultaneously.
Turn the waypoint selector to 1:
 Enter latitude. Press INSERT to load. Enter LONGITUDE. Press INSERT to load.
 Double-check the waypoint co-ordinates are correct, then repeat for waypoints 2
through 9.
 Check the waypoint co-ordinates on the other two INS units.
 When satisfied that all three INS have the correct data, press the REMOTE key again
on all 3 INS to disable the feature.
Ensure that the INS is aligned and in NAV before moving the aircraft.
Switching to INS navigation
Once you’re ready to switch from radio navigation to INS:
 Before engaging INS mode on the autopilot, change the waypoint from 0 to the first
waypoint you’re cleared to. (Typically, 1, but if cleared to or otherwise navigating to
a waypoint further down the line you can go from 0 to etc). Repeat this for the other 2
INS units.
 Switch the RADIO/INS switches to INS.
 Engage INS on the autopilot. When settled into the turn, check that the “needle” on
the HSI is straight and narrow. Check that the INS distance display corresponds to the
HSI distance display.
 When within 5 nautical miles from the next waypoint, check that the ALERT light on
the INS illuminates and the ALERT flag on the HSI appears.
 Repeat the distance check when you switch waypoints.
 When making a course change, it is advised to switch the RADIO/INS switch to
RADIO and then match up the heading bug with the HSI heading. If something goes
wrong and you need to switch back to conventional navigation, this way you can
quickly switch from INS to HDG on the autopilot.
If your flight plan has more than 9 waypoints:
 Hint: download your flight plan in PDF format, and either edit it or print it out, then
circle all waypoints from 1-9. If more than 9 waypoints, don’t put 10, 11, 12 etc.
Simply repeat the 1-9 to keep track easier.
 It is advised to wait until you’re tracking from waypoint 2 to 3 before entering in new
waypoints in flight.
 In WAYPT mode on the CDU, select waypoint 1 (remember, 0 cannot be changed)
and enter in waypoint 10. Repeat for any more waypoints.
Creating position reports using the INS
When flying in oceanic airspaces, you might be required to transmit position reports to
oceanic controllers. You will need to know the current time in UTC, the waypoint passing
over, the waypoint next and the waypoint after that.
A typical position report will look like this:
 United 812 passing ABNEX at 1010Z and FL350, estimating ROBLA at 1100Z, then
SIMPS.
You can use the DIST/TIME page on the INS to check the estimated time until crossing the
next waypoint. To plot position reports in advance, use the DISTANCE CHECK function
(see the entry under DIST/TIME in the INS).
DME Updating
During longer flights, you can use nearby VOR/DME stations to improve navigational
accuracy. Do not use VOR stations on your route, use VOR stations parallel to you. 35 DME
is the ideal range. I would recommend taking a note of suitable VOR stations when planning
your flight. For example, here is a recommended SimBrief route for a flight from Boston to
London:

An ideal way to use DME updating on this leg is to update twice: once, before entering the
oceanic route, and once when leaving it.
Here over Canada, we can see two ideal stations – YFC (Fredericton) and UZX (Greenwood).

And, over Ireland, SHA (Shannon) and WTP (Wolftrap).

To find out the ideal co-ordinates for the INS, I recommend using the free flight planning tool
SkyVector:
https://skyvector.com/

Enter in the DME stations in the flight plan page, then open the Nav Log.

Take note of the frequencies and co-ordinates.

First enter the co-ordinates of the VOR station into the INS you want to update. Rotate the
CDU to WAYPT then hold down the 9 key until it stays in place. Then press 7 to enter
updating mode. Rotate the waypoint selector to any waypoint from 1 through 9. (Although it
is probably best to use different waypoint numbers for both the Captain and First Officer INS.
Do not use 0 because it will cancel DME updating. Type in the co-ordinates in latitude and
longitude and press INSERT.

Open DIST/TIME on the CDU and check the distance in the INS matches the DME on the
RMI.
Next enter the VOR altitude and frequency. Hold down the 9 key until it stays in place, then
press the 3 key. Change the waypoint to 1 and enter in the altitude in 1000 feet increments
and the VOR frequency in 5 digits (i.e., a VOR frequency of 114.00 would be entered at
11400, then press insert). When ready to start DME updating, press WYPT CHG and enter in
the waypoint you put the VOR co-ordinates in, then press INSERT.
 For the altitude, you would round up/down by 500 feet. Say the altitude of the VOR
station is 2400 feet, you would enter in N then 2 in the altitude window. If the altitude
was 2600, you would enter N then 3.
Now the INS updating lights will illuminate. You can use other INS functions whilst DME
updating. Rotate the CDU to DSRTK/STS to return to normal waypoint function. To cancel
DME updating, rotate back to WAYPT, enter DME updating and change to waypoint 0.
Descent and Approach
When within about 30nm from your last waypoint, switch from INS to HDG on the autopilot.
Before doing this, switch the RADIO/INS switch to RADIO and then match up the heading
bug with the HSI heading for a smoother transition.
Make sure to switch RADIO/INS to RADIO after exiting INS navigation.
After parking
You can check the INS drift in DIS/TIME if desired.
When ready, erase all INS triple mix positions and inflight updates by selecting DSRTK/STS
and pressing 1 and the insert switch.
Set the INS overhead to ALIGN.
If continuing, place mode selector to STBY until the INSERT light illuminates, then select
ALIGN and re-align the INS.
If leaving the aircraft, Turn the INS to OFF.
Using the INS with the EFB
The Felis 747 includes certain shortcuts and features in the EFB for easier INS use.

INS/FMC: Chooses between the custom INS and the default FMS.
INS align: Choose between real time and fast align.
INS source: Choose between real (using the aircraft’s co-ordinates) and the in-sim GPS.
Insert present position: this will automatically write the current aircraft position into the INS.
(Hint: when using DME updating, rotate the CDU to POS and check the co-ordinates against
the present position in the EFB).
Quick align: Self-explanatory.
Clear all waypoints: Will wipe all waypoints from the INS.
Open flight plan: Opens the current flight plan. See next page.
Choose which flight plan you wish to write into the INS. The source is your XP
folder/Output/FMS plans.

The flight plan displayed via co-ordinates. Press NEXT and PREV to scroll between pages.
You can choose to write the whole flight plan into the INS. The INS will automatically
update when reaching waypoint 9. Otherwise, you can choose to write the flight plan from a
certain waypoint.