Aviation Software Specialists

IT IS SEVERAL years now since Pilot reviewed the original DOS version of this program, and because of the many changes to it since then (and for the sake of new readers, and those who don't file away their old copies of Pilot) we'll start again at the beginning while evaluating this new Windows version RANT 2000 CD-ROM. The Radio Aids Navigation Tutor is a program for pilots who want to be able to use the VOR, NDB and ILS efficiently and competently. It doesn't matter whether you are a purely VFR pilot who never intends doing any more with navaids than tracking inbound to an NDB or navigating cross-country using VORs, or whether you are training for a commercial licence, urgently trying to develop the skills needed to tackle the most complicated IFR task you are likely to meet, en route or in a terminal area. Either way, this program will certainly be of use to you.

RANT has been written by Steve Oddy, formerly an RAF instructor and currently a civil instructor and examiner. His practical familiarity with flying shines through in the way he has laid out the teaching format, and produced a piece of software that has readable charts, easily-understood controls and photo-realistic instruments that look and act just like the real ones in your cockpit. Gone are the slightly jerky, Mickey-Mouse-looking diagrammatic ones of the older DOS versions of RANT, thank goodness. Users can even go to a section of the program called NAVFITS, and from there select a proprietary instrument configuration to suit themselves or to match the aircraft they fly. These can range from a simple DI/OBS to a full-blown EFIS complete with GPS. There is a whole set of tutorials, covering everything from the basic 'what it is and does' about each type of instrument, to teaching about the sophisticated IFR techniques involved in NDBVOR joins, ILS procedures etc. Once you have completed a tutorial you have a chance to practice what you have learned in an Exercise Section. Here the computer chooses a task for you, and you can have a crack at achieving the aim. Progress can be recorded and saved to play back later; useful, if only to see where your habitual mistakes occur!

There are many other interesting corners in this RANT 2000 Windows program to explore. One is a practice section where you can devise your own exercises to 'fly' wherever in the UK you wish. There is even a facility allowing you to amend or add to the map database, if your favourite airfield isn't already on it, perhaps. There is a search tool of the entire database which RANT calls its Gazetteer, a conversion screen for weights and measures, a wind component calculator, and RANTPLAN, which is a brand new addition since the last DOS version was issued. This is a flight planner allowing you to input your aircraft's performance, plan a trip, print it out and then 'fly' it on the PC. There are more user-friendly flight planners available, but with a little practice you can quickly get accustomed the RANTPLAN too. It even includes a TAF decoder, for all those pilots to whom things like FM1220 20KT 3000 BKN015 will forever remain gobbledygook. RANT simply prints it all out in reasonably plain English for you. Good clever stuff!

I am not giving this program a 'rave' review simply because it is called 'RANT'. It really is a well-written, extremely useful program which has already been successfully used by the RAF, BAe Flight Training, OATS, Bristows, Bonds and many other establishments in the UK and abroad. It even gets a mention in the CAA's CAP 54, where it is recommended as suitable material for training towards a professional licence. If you would like to try before you buy, there is no need to buy another magazine (of either the PC or flying variety) which happens to have a 'freebie' CD-ROM including RANT 2000 stuck to its cover, because the demo version of RANT 2000 is available free to download from OddSoft's web site: www.oddsoft.co.uk. The full version of RANT 2000 for Windows is available from Transair, or from Oddsoft Ltd for £89.90.