The TAT route was flown using, what is called today, VFR. Railroads, roads and other familiar landmarks were followed from airport to airport. All TAT airports had radio stations, broadcasting on the frequencies of the times. Unfortunately, the radios in the planes were highly undependable at this time. You can replicate this radio navigation by using an ADF radio. The radio frequencies used coincided with NDB frequencies. We suggest you use these aids until you get to know the routes; no use in getting lost. The radios will not reach all the way along the routes, so we've included some bearings to keep you close to the route until you pick up the radios. These bearings are for flying east to west. If you want to fly west to east, just subtract 180 degrees from the bearings.
In the western half of the route, there are some very tall mountains. You don't have oxygen and the planes are not pressurized, so you will have to thread your way between peaks, just as the original pilots did. For authenticity, stay below 10,000 feet above sea level. That's the top for no oxygen. If you look on a roadmap of the state you are flying through and, in the legend, read the altitude of the highest point in the state, it won't match the altitudes of the mountains in Flight Simulator. The simulator, in some states, has much higher mountains than can actually be found there. This especially applies in the west. They cheated you, so if you have to get higher its ok.
True bearings are much better than magnetic, but with the deviation varying as you travel across the country, you have to recalculate all the time in order to use your compass. The mag bearings we have included have been tested to keep you on course, at least until you pick up the radio frequency.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR ALONG THE ROUTE
These are a few 'Easter eggs' along the route that you might want to see:
Port Columbus: In case you are new to Golden Wings, the Port Columbus airport is adjacent to the Pennsylvania Railroad track and station. A locomotive with cars waits at the station, and soon leaves. You can chase the train down the track for a distance.
Wichita: The Wichita airport includes a park along the street entrance and a recreational area between the runways that includes picnic tables. I have no idea why Wichita built that into the airport, but they did.
Clovis: The airport at Clovis includes a combination hotel and Harvey House restaurant.
Albuquerque, Winslow and Kingman: These airports have adobe terminals, just as they had in 1929.
Glendale: This California airport has a Spanish-style terminal, with arched door entrances to the promenade facing the runways. There is also an orchard at the northwest corner.
Waynoka to Clovis: TAT built a night route between the Waynoka and Clovis airports, in anticipation of later flying that portion of the route, rather than using the Santa Fe Railroad. Unfortunately, this portion was never used. However, we have included it in the route, with a mid stop at Amarillo (radio frequency 290). It has red beacons every ten miles or closer. You can fly this route at night, if you choose to. Just stay above 4500 feet on the part between Amarillo and Clovis. Leave Waynoka steering 240 degrees magnetic, set radio for 290. The first beacon is about five miles from the airport.
