At 30 DME and 180 KTS, what is the lead point to intercept the 060-degree radial inbound?

To determine the lead point for intercepting the 060-degree radial inbound at a distance of 30 DME and a ground speed of 180 knots, it's essential to understand how to calculate the lead point based on the aircraft’s speed and the angle of the radial.

When you are flying towards a specific radial, the lead point is the location where you should begin your turn to intercept that radial. The angle of intercept and speed is crucial because the aircraft travels a certain distance over time, and you need to ensure that you can connect with the radial at the right point.

At 180 knots, the aircraft covers 3 nautical miles per minute. Typically, a lead point can be determined by using a formula that considers the radial angle you are flying towards and your current distance from the VOR. For a 060-degree radial, you would typically adjust slightly to account for the difference in angle and ensure a smooth turn versus the radial.

In this case, assuming an intercept angle that requires a small drift towards the radial, starting your turn at Radial 062 allows you to effectively roll into the turn and intercept the 060-degree radial at the ideal point. Calculating slightly ahead accounts for the offset created by your speed and the resultant flight path