A bearing is a direction expressed as an angle in degrees from a reference point to an object or position.
A radial is a specific type of bearing that originates from a navigation aid (such as a VOR or TACAN station) and extends outward from it.
In aviation navigation, bearings and radials define direction relative to a reference, not just a raw compass angle. They are essential for route tracking, intercepts, holding patterns, approaches, and controller instructions.
Key concepts
Bearing
- A direction to or from a reference point.
- Can be expressed as:
- Magnetic bearing (most aviation use)
- True bearing (used on charts or long-range planning)
- Relative bearing (measured from the aircraft’s nose)
Examples:
- “Bearing 045 to the station”
- “Target bearing 270 from bullseye”
Radial
- Always measured from the station outward.
- Radials are fixed and do not change based on aircraft position.
- Used primarily with VOR and TACAN.
Example:
- “Radial 090” means east of the station, regardless of where the aircraft is.
The critical rule students must internalize
Radials go FROM the station.
Courses go TO the station.
This single rule explains:
- Why flying toward a VOR on the 270 course means you are on the 090 radial
- Why inbound and outbound numbers appear “reversed”
Relationship to other directional terms
- Heading: Where the aircraft nose is pointing.
- Azimuth: A general angular direction (geometry-based).
- Bearing: Direction relative to a reference point.
- Radial: A bearing specifically from a nav aid.
They are related, but not interchangeable.
Practical examples
- VOR/TACAN navigation
- “Intercept the 315 radial”
- “Fly inbound on the 180 course”
- GCI / AWACS
- “Turn left heading 240, target bearing 270”
- BRAA calls
- “BRAA 320/15” → 320 is a bearing, 15 is distance (NM)
- Holding patterns
- Defined by inbound course and radial relationships
Application in DCS World
DCS relies heavily on bearing and radial logic, even when the terms are not explicitly spoken.
Navigation
- TACAN displays:
- Bearing (radial)
- Distance (DME-like range)
- HSI shows:
- Selected course
- Deviation from the radial/course
Air-to-air control
- GCI and AWACS calls implicitly assume bearing understanding.
- BRAA and bullseye references are meaningless without bearing literacy.
Training implications
- Cadets must learn to:
- Visualize radials as fixed “spokes” from a station
- Convert between heading, bearing, and course mentally
- Understand why inbound ≠ radial number
Without this, students will:
- Chase needles incorrectly
- Misinterpret intercept instructions
- Fly perfect headings on the wrong line