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How did the 9/11 hijackers find their way to NYC?
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It is quite well known that the airplane hijackers on 9/11 were not professional pilots. So, my question is how some people who didn't have any experience of navigating the airplanes could find their way, for example from Boston to NYC?
I read somewhere that some natural signs like the Hudson River (for example) helped them to find their way through NYC. But I'm still looking to find a more convincing answer if it is available.
Note: I'm new in this forum and I'm not aware of possible duplicate or similar questions.
airliner navigation
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
It is quite well known that the airplane hijackers on 9/11 were not professional pilots. So, my question is how some people who didn't have any experience of navigating the airplanes could find their way, for example from Boston to NYC?
I read somewhere that some natural signs like the Hudson River (for example) helped them to find their way through NYC. But I'm still looking to find a more convincing answer if it is available.
Note: I'm new in this forum and I'm not aware of possible duplicate or similar questions.
airliner navigation
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Why downvote?! What's the problem with this question? If there is any problem or if it's unclear can you describe in the comment?!
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
5
I don't know why the DVs. Anyone not into aviation and/or wasn't full aware in 2001 (very young) or born after, surely has questions -- They may have not been pro pilots, but they have received flight training. The extent of which I don't know, I only checked Wiki. Nowadays any kid with a PC flight sim can operate a plane's FMS, it's just a keypad / simple UI: as simple as entering 3-5 letters & hitting 'go-to'. It's a comment since I have nothing solid and merely remarking on the DVs and first sentence.
– ymb1
7 hours ago
It is well known that the attackers were students at a flight school, so they had basic flight knowledge. Putting in a "DirectTo" waypoint should be pretty easy, even on an advanced FMS.
– abelenky
7 hours ago
Since it's not an aviation accident per se, i.e., the planes/pilots were not at fault, and the investigation is beyond the scope of aviation accident reports, I think it may be off-topic. My point is, the question is fine, but perhaps you can generalize it to be about how easy is the aircraft operation wrt navigation -- it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. With the question generalized, you can leave a note as to why you're asking if you wish.
– ymb1
6 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
It is quite well known that the airplane hijackers on 9/11 were not professional pilots. So, my question is how some people who didn't have any experience of navigating the airplanes could find their way, for example from Boston to NYC?
I read somewhere that some natural signs like the Hudson River (for example) helped them to find their way through NYC. But I'm still looking to find a more convincing answer if it is available.
Note: I'm new in this forum and I'm not aware of possible duplicate or similar questions.
airliner navigation
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It is quite well known that the airplane hijackers on 9/11 were not professional pilots. So, my question is how some people who didn't have any experience of navigating the airplanes could find their way, for example from Boston to NYC?
I read somewhere that some natural signs like the Hudson River (for example) helped them to find their way through NYC. But I'm still looking to find a more convincing answer if it is available.
Note: I'm new in this forum and I'm not aware of possible duplicate or similar questions.
airliner navigation
airliner navigation
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
edited 3 hours ago
Pondlife
49.1k7131265
49.1k7131265
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
asked 8 hours ago
Alone Programmer
1223
1223
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Alone Programmer is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Why downvote?! What's the problem with this question? If there is any problem or if it's unclear can you describe in the comment?!
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
5
I don't know why the DVs. Anyone not into aviation and/or wasn't full aware in 2001 (very young) or born after, surely has questions -- They may have not been pro pilots, but they have received flight training. The extent of which I don't know, I only checked Wiki. Nowadays any kid with a PC flight sim can operate a plane's FMS, it's just a keypad / simple UI: as simple as entering 3-5 letters & hitting 'go-to'. It's a comment since I have nothing solid and merely remarking on the DVs and first sentence.
– ymb1
7 hours ago
It is well known that the attackers were students at a flight school, so they had basic flight knowledge. Putting in a "DirectTo" waypoint should be pretty easy, even on an advanced FMS.
– abelenky
7 hours ago
Since it's not an aviation accident per se, i.e., the planes/pilots were not at fault, and the investigation is beyond the scope of aviation accident reports, I think it may be off-topic. My point is, the question is fine, but perhaps you can generalize it to be about how easy is the aircraft operation wrt navigation -- it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. With the question generalized, you can leave a note as to why you're asking if you wish.
– ymb1
6 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
Why downvote?! What's the problem with this question? If there is any problem or if it's unclear can you describe in the comment?!
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
5
I don't know why the DVs. Anyone not into aviation and/or wasn't full aware in 2001 (very young) or born after, surely has questions -- They may have not been pro pilots, but they have received flight training. The extent of which I don't know, I only checked Wiki. Nowadays any kid with a PC flight sim can operate a plane's FMS, it's just a keypad / simple UI: as simple as entering 3-5 letters & hitting 'go-to'. It's a comment since I have nothing solid and merely remarking on the DVs and first sentence.
– ymb1
7 hours ago
It is well known that the attackers were students at a flight school, so they had basic flight knowledge. Putting in a "DirectTo" waypoint should be pretty easy, even on an advanced FMS.
– abelenky
7 hours ago
Since it's not an aviation accident per se, i.e., the planes/pilots were not at fault, and the investigation is beyond the scope of aviation accident reports, I think it may be off-topic. My point is, the question is fine, but perhaps you can generalize it to be about how easy is the aircraft operation wrt navigation -- it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. With the question generalized, you can leave a note as to why you're asking if you wish.
– ymb1
6 hours ago
1
1
Why downvote?! What's the problem with this question? If there is any problem or if it's unclear can you describe in the comment?!
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
Why downvote?! What's the problem with this question? If there is any problem or if it's unclear can you describe in the comment?!
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
5
5
I don't know why the DVs. Anyone not into aviation and/or wasn't full aware in 2001 (very young) or born after, surely has questions -- They may have not been pro pilots, but they have received flight training. The extent of which I don't know, I only checked Wiki. Nowadays any kid with a PC flight sim can operate a plane's FMS, it's just a keypad / simple UI: as simple as entering 3-5 letters & hitting 'go-to'. It's a comment since I have nothing solid and merely remarking on the DVs and first sentence.
– ymb1
7 hours ago
I don't know why the DVs. Anyone not into aviation and/or wasn't full aware in 2001 (very young) or born after, surely has questions -- They may have not been pro pilots, but they have received flight training. The extent of which I don't know, I only checked Wiki. Nowadays any kid with a PC flight sim can operate a plane's FMS, it's just a keypad / simple UI: as simple as entering 3-5 letters & hitting 'go-to'. It's a comment since I have nothing solid and merely remarking on the DVs and first sentence.
– ymb1
7 hours ago
It is well known that the attackers were students at a flight school, so they had basic flight knowledge. Putting in a "DirectTo" waypoint should be pretty easy, even on an advanced FMS.
– abelenky
7 hours ago
It is well known that the attackers were students at a flight school, so they had basic flight knowledge. Putting in a "DirectTo" waypoint should be pretty easy, even on an advanced FMS.
– abelenky
7 hours ago
Since it's not an aviation accident per se, i.e., the planes/pilots were not at fault, and the investigation is beyond the scope of aviation accident reports, I think it may be off-topic. My point is, the question is fine, but perhaps you can generalize it to be about how easy is the aircraft operation wrt navigation -- it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. With the question generalized, you can leave a note as to why you're asking if you wish.
– ymb1
6 hours ago
Since it's not an aviation accident per se, i.e., the planes/pilots were not at fault, and the investigation is beyond the scope of aviation accident reports, I think it may be off-topic. My point is, the question is fine, but perhaps you can generalize it to be about how easy is the aircraft operation wrt navigation -- it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. With the question generalized, you can leave a note as to why you're asking if you wish.
– ymb1
6 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Several of the hijackers, including Mohammed Atta, held at least private pilot certificates and had undergone ATP level jet training in full motion simulators in December of 2000. Atta himself held a commercial license with instrument and multiengine ratings. They were well versed in aerial navigation techniques and more than capable of navigating the aircraft in question back to NYC after it was hijacked and secured.
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
A simple, pocket GPS is enough for that navigation, and for more complex ones too......
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
1
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
3
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
2
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
1
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
1
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Several of the hijackers, including Mohammed Atta, held at least private pilot certificates and had undergone ATP level jet training in full motion simulators in December of 2000. Atta himself held a commercial license with instrument and multiengine ratings. They were well versed in aerial navigation techniques and more than capable of navigating the aircraft in question back to NYC after it was hijacked and secured.
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Several of the hijackers, including Mohammed Atta, held at least private pilot certificates and had undergone ATP level jet training in full motion simulators in December of 2000. Atta himself held a commercial license with instrument and multiengine ratings. They were well versed in aerial navigation techniques and more than capable of navigating the aircraft in question back to NYC after it was hijacked and secured.
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Several of the hijackers, including Mohammed Atta, held at least private pilot certificates and had undergone ATP level jet training in full motion simulators in December of 2000. Atta himself held a commercial license with instrument and multiengine ratings. They were well versed in aerial navigation techniques and more than capable of navigating the aircraft in question back to NYC after it was hijacked and secured.
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
Several of the hijackers, including Mohammed Atta, held at least private pilot certificates and had undergone ATP level jet training in full motion simulators in December of 2000. Atta himself held a commercial license with instrument and multiengine ratings. They were well versed in aerial navigation techniques and more than capable of navigating the aircraft in question back to NYC after it was hijacked and secured.
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
edited 2 hours ago
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
answered 2 hours ago
Carlo Felicione
37.2k264138
37.2k264138
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
A simple, pocket GPS is enough for that navigation, and for more complex ones too......
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
1
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
3
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
2
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
1
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
1
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
A simple, pocket GPS is enough for that navigation, and for more complex ones too......
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
1
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
3
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
2
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
1
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
1
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
A simple, pocket GPS is enough for that navigation, and for more complex ones too......
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
A simple, pocket GPS is enough for that navigation, and for more complex ones too......
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
answered 7 hours ago
xxavier
5,06311344
5,06311344
1
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
3
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
2
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
1
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
1
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
3
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
2
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
1
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
1
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
1
1
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
Of course, the airplane itself has GPS so there is no need for pocket GPS. But still it's not quite clear how you could target a precise location without prior knowledge of using the navigation system.
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
3
3
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
The plane GPS may be not so easy to use. With a pocket GPS, and your waypoints already stored, you've just to key 'go to', and then follow the arrow... I know well what I'm talking about. I use to fly an ICP Savannah light plane, and use a pocket GPS all the time...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
2
2
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
Is there evidence that the hijackers used a pocket GPS (they don't work great on commercial aircraft, especially if not against a window or the models that were available in 2001))? But if this was used, surely that would be mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report or other documents?
– Zach Lipton
7 hours ago
1
1
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
They work well. My plane is of full-metal construction, closed cockpit; I use an old Magellan 315, and it works perfectly well...
– xxavier
7 hours ago
1
1
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
@AloneProgrammer The hijackers went through pilot training so they probably knew how to use the aircraft's GPS.
– Carey Gregory
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
Alone Programmer is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
Why downvote?! What's the problem with this question? If there is any problem or if it's unclear can you describe in the comment?!
– Alone Programmer
7 hours ago
5
I don't know why the DVs. Anyone not into aviation and/or wasn't full aware in 2001 (very young) or born after, surely has questions -- They may have not been pro pilots, but they have received flight training. The extent of which I don't know, I only checked Wiki. Nowadays any kid with a PC flight sim can operate a plane's FMS, it's just a keypad / simple UI: as simple as entering 3-5 letters & hitting 'go-to'. It's a comment since I have nothing solid and merely remarking on the DVs and first sentence.
– ymb1
7 hours ago
It is well known that the attackers were students at a flight school, so they had basic flight knowledge. Putting in a "DirectTo" waypoint should be pretty easy, even on an advanced FMS.
– abelenky
7 hours ago
Since it's not an aviation accident per se, i.e., the planes/pilots were not at fault, and the investigation is beyond the scope of aviation accident reports, I think it may be off-topic. My point is, the question is fine, but perhaps you can generalize it to be about how easy is the aircraft operation wrt navigation -- it hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. With the question generalized, you can leave a note as to why you're asking if you wish.
– ymb1
6 hours ago