This article features the intercept mission flown by participants at the Flight Simulation Laboratory Open House at Greenville Technical Charter High School. This mission scenario is reminiscent of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In this scenario, participants are tasked with intercepting incoming aircraft. Successful completion of the mission requires mathematical/geometrical problem solving, using principles of relative motion and dead reckoning.
Mission details are as follows: The target aircraft was spotted at waypoint ALJAI (N20.675, W158.685) heading 038 degrees magnetic at an altitude of 2500 MSL at a ground speed of 160 nautical miles per hour. Your aircraft is a Cirrus Vision Jet positioned with the engines running, ready for takeoff from Molokai (PHMK) on runway 23. The sky is clear and the winds are calm. Assume the Vision Jet will be cruising at 240 KIAS. Use dead reckoning to intercept the target.
Coordinates: 21.31 N, 157.92 W
Nearest Airport: Honolulu (PHNL)