Bob Gardner wrote:
True story: The Boeing 747 building is east of the approach end of runway 16
at Paine Field. The NDB approach is based on a beacon nine miles away. On my
ATP checkride, the FAA examiner had me shoot the NDB 16 approach, and I did
my very damndest....but when I called "missed approach" and he told me to
lift the hood, the Boeing building was to my right...my approach was that
far east of the runway. "Good approach," he said.

Yes, I had a similar experience on my check ride. It was a very windy
(10G15 on the surface and 40+ at 4,000') and bumpy day when I took my
instrument ride. The examiner didn't require a PP NDB approach, but
even with a full panel it was hard to set the DG accurately with the
compass dancing a jig. ELM is in a valley probably 3/4 - 1 mile wide.
The DE told me not to look outside upon reaching the MDA, but to wait
for his call. When he said to look for the field, I was probably a good
1/4 mile off the runway, maybe even farther. I thought that was the end
of the ride, but he said "good approach, you kept us between the
mountains!" and we continued on. It convinced me though that I'd never
fly an NDB in IMC to an airport in a valley unless it was the last
option I had ... even though I believe the MDA at ELM is slightly above
the tops of the surrounding mountains.


Matt