Navigation
Get from A to B with charts, pilotage, dead reckoning, and radio aids. Know what to do when the plan breaks.
Sectional charts
Sectional charts are the VFR pilot’s map of airspace, airports, obstacles, terrain, and navaids (typical scale 1:500,000). Always use current data.
Know airport symbols, airspace boundaries, special-use airspace, and Maximum Elevation Figures (MEF) in each quadrangle.
Tip
One minute of latitude ≈ 1 nautical mile. Use the lat scale to measure distance.
Pilotage & dead reckoning
Pilotage navigates by landmarks. Dead reckoning computes heading and time from course, distance, airspeed, and wind. Good cross-countries use both: a nav log plus checkpoint confirmation.
Nav log essentials
- True course → wind correction → headings (T/M/C)
- Distance, groundspeed, ETE/ETA
- Fuel burn per leg + reserves
- Frequencies and planned altitudes
Variation & deviation
Variation is true vs magnetic north. Deviation is compass error from the airplane. Memory aid: TVMDC (True → Variation → Magnetic → Deviation → Compass). East is least, west is best when converting true to magnetic.
VOR & GPS
VOR radials are magnetic bearings from the station. Practice OBS orientation until TO/FROM and CDI sensing are automatic. Use the VOR CDI trainer to drag the airplane and watch the needle.
GPS is powerful but not a substitute for judgment: verify database currency and keep pilotage/DR backup. Practice diverting without the magenta line.
Lost procedures
If uncertain, a common memory aid (not a regulation) is climb if safe, communicate, confess, comply, conserve. Fix position with VOR, GPS NRST, or landmarks, then divert early to a planned airport.
Practice questions
1. VOR radials are measured from which north?
Show Answer
Magnetic north (FROM the station).
2. What does TVMDC stand for?
Show Answer
True, Variation, Magnetic, Deviation, Compass.
3. Name two good actions if lost VFR.
Show Answer
Climb if safe; contact ATC/FSS; fix position; divert early.
Next steps
Try the E6B calculator, VOR trainer, and figure written.