NavList:

I'm new to CN, but isn't the only reason that we try to keep the AP within
> 30 NM of the intercept for convenience in plotting?  In theory we don't
even
> need an AP

 

 

The closer your AP to the real position (or DR if you are using Ageton's or the Calculator method) the more accurate your plot will be.  Remember that the "real" plot should be an arc with a radius of the co-altitude.  If your AP is hundreds of miles off, your plot will be less accurate because the "practical" plot is a straight line.  In fact when you are doing high altitude sights or when your AP is far removed from your DR, there is a method to recalculate your plot to allow for this curvature.  Hope this helps.