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How to Intercept a Radial

Cut the radial at 30–45°, then track it inbound.

1. What ATC is asking for

"Intercept the 090 radial inbound" means: fly onto the invisible line that leaves the station on 090° and follow it back TO the station on a heading of 270°. The radial (090) and the inbound course (270) are always 180° apart.

2. Set the OBS to the inbound course

If the assigned radial is 090, set the OBS to 270 (radial + 180). The instrument is now expecting you on that course with a TO flag.

3. Pick an intercept angle

Turn to a heading that cuts the desired course by 30–45°. Bigger cut = faster intercept but bigger overshoot risk. 45° is a solid default when you're still far from the course.

LIVAssigned radial (inbound course)YouIntercept heading (30–45° cut)Turn inbound when needle centers

4. Watch the needle come alive

The CDI stays pegged full-deflection until you're within ~10° of the course. As it starts moving toward center, reduce the cut — usually turning to parallel the course when the needle is one dot from center. Roll onto the inbound heading as it settles.

5. Track it inbound

Hold the needle in the middle with 5° corrections and you're established. Report to ATC: "PDR, established 090 radial inbound."