What are the ADF bearing limitations?

The ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) bearing limitations are critical for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of navigational information. The selected answer identifies key factors that can impact ADF performance.

Night Effect refers to the variance in signal propagation during nighttime compared to daytime, which can lead to misleading bearings due to the way radio waves travel and reflect off different atmospheric layers. This phenomenon is particularly relevant to high-frequency signals that can bend or skip over the horizon at night.

Electrical Disturbance encompasses any interference caused by nearby electrical equipment or systems, which can distort the signals received by the ADF, leading to erroneous readings. Understanding and mitigating electrical interference is vital for accurate navigation.

Precipitation Static is caused by atmospheric conditions, particularly during rain or thunderstorms, which can generate static that interferes with radio signals. This type of interference can significantly affect the clarity and accuracy of the signals that the ADF relies on for bearings.

Quadrantal Error is an inherent limitation of ADF systems related to the orientation of the aircraft compared to the position of the ADF antenna. This error increases in magnitude when the bearing of the ADF is directed toward either the magnetic North or South, compromising the accuracy of the readings.

Together, these factors highlight the potential limitations of A