Navigation
Charts and position
Know the aeronautical chart symbols, the difference between true and magnetic north, and how to convert between them using variation (and deviation for the compass). Understand latitude/longitude, the statute mile, nautical mile and kilometre, and how to measure track and distance on a chart. Know the meaning of QDM, QDR, QTE and QUJ.
Dead reckoning and radio navigation
Dead reckoning uses heading, speed, time and wind to estimate position; the wind triangle converts heading to track. Understand the basic principles of VOR, DME, NDB/ADF and GNSS, and the limitations of each. Know that GNSS gives position, but the pilot must still monitor and cross-check.
Traps
Questions mix up heading, track and bearing. Remember: heading is where the nose points, track is the path over the ground, bearing is the direction to a station. Another trap is applying variation with the wrong sign - use the memory aid 'variation east, magnetic least' (subtract easterly variation to get magnetic from true). Watch for items on map scale and time/speed/distance calculations.
Worked example
True track 090°, variation 10°E: magnetic track = 090° − 10° = 080°. If the compass also has deviation, apply it after variation.