Navigation
Navigation systems, charts, and flight planning methods.
Overview
Navigation covers the methods and tools pilots use to determine their position and navigate from one point to another. This includes traditional methods (dead reckoning, pilotage), radio navigation aids (VOR, NDB, DME), satellite navigation (GPS/GNSS), and chart reading. Effective navigation skills are essential for safe cross-country flying.
Key Topics
1. Map Reading and Charts
Understanding aeronautical charts: topographic features, airspace boundaries, navigation aids, airports, and chart symbols. Learning to identify terrain elevation, obstacles, and restricted areas on VFR and IFR charts.
2. Dead Reckoning
Navigating by calculating your position from a known starting point using heading, airspeed, wind correction, and elapsed time. Requires understanding the triangle of velocities (heading/TAS, track/groundspeed, wind velocity).
3. VOR Navigation
VHF Omnidirectional Range provides 360 radials from a ground station. Pilots select a radial and use the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) to track to or from the station. VOR accuracy is ± 1°.
4. NDB and ADF
Non-Directional Beacons transmit on MF/LF frequencies. The ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) points toward the NDB. Pilots must correct for magnetic variation and wind to track accurate bearings.
5. GPS/GNSS Navigation
Global Navigation Satellite Systems provide accurate position, track, and groundspeed information. Understanding RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring), WAAS/EGNOS augmentation, and GPS approach procedures.
6. Flight Planning
Selecting routes, calculating fuel requirements, determining cruise altitude, filing flight plans, and preparing navigation logs. Understanding great circle vs. rhumb line routes, and magnetic variation along the route.
Key Terms & Definitions
Exam Tips
- Tip 1:Practice the triangle of velocities - wind correction angle calculations are common in exams
- Tip 2:Know how to interpret VOR indicators (TO/FROM flags, CDI deflection)
- Tip 3:Understand the difference between magnetic heading, magnetic track, and magnetic bearing
- Tip 4:Learn to calculate time, speed, and distance using the "60-rule" for mental math
- Tip 5:Know the 1-in-60 rule: 1 NM off track per 60 NM traveled = 1° track error
Recommended References
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Ch. 16
FAA handbook covering navigation principles
ICAO Annex 4 - Aeronautical Charts
International standards for aeronautical chart content and symbols
Air Navigation (EASA)
European study material for navigation examination
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