CPL Navigation study plan
CPL Navigation · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Navigation
Define the earth's shape model and explain how great circles, small circles, and rhumb lines differ in practice
Compute latitude/longitude differences and convert between degrees-minutes-seconds and decimal degrees without error
Derive the relationships between true, magnetic, and compass heading, including variation and deviation, using worked examples
Your checkpoint
A one-page formula and conversion sheet covering coordinate conversions and the heading triangle, self-tested with 15 practice calculations at 100% accuracy
Navigation
Apply the 1-in-60 rule to estimate track error, closing angle, and heading corrections
Calculate distance, speed, and time for multi-leg flights including wind triangles solved graphically
Solve wind triangle problems for heading and groundspeed given track, TAS, and wind velocity
Your checkpoint
A worked solutions log of 10 wind triangle problems (5 graphical, 5 computational) with a short note on the error sources in each method
Navigation
Interpret chart projections (Mercator, Lambert conformal conic) and state their distortion characteristics
Read and use scale, relief, and aeronautical overlays on a navigation chart to plan a route
Measure true track and distance on a chart and convert to magnetic track with correct variation application
Your checkpoint
A plotted 3-leg cross-country route on a practice chart with tracks, distances, and magnetic conversions tabulated and checked against a second measurement method
Navigation
Explain the principles of VOR, DME, NDB/ADF, and GNSS position fixing and their limitations
Compute position from radial and distance information and identify station passage cues
Describe the causes of and corrections for compass turning and acceleration errors
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of four navaids (principle, indications, errors, limitations) plus 8 solved position-fixing exercises, reviewed against reference notes
Flight planning and navigation documentation
Assemble a complete flight-planning sequence from weather and NOTAM review through fuel and alternate selection
Select and justify a route considering airspace, terrain, and controlled airspace entry requirements
Calculate fuel requirements including reserves and contingency for a planned route
Your checkpoint
A full written flight plan for a 250 nm cross-country, including route justification, fuel figures, and alternate selection with reasons
Flight planning and navigation documentation
Interpret and complete a navigation log with headings, times, fuel, and frequencies for each leg
Extract and apply the operational data from METAR, TAF, and wind forecasts to a nav log
Verify airspace and aerodrome data from charts and publications before flight
Your checkpoint
A completed navigation log for the week 5 route, cross-checked against weather data, with all frequencies and airspace notes verified
Navigation & Flight planning and navigation documentation
Integrate in-flight replanning: recalculate headings and ETAs after a significant wind or track deviation
Produce and file the required pre-flight documentation set for a planned flight
Identify documentation errors in sample flight plans and correct them
Your checkpoint
A timed 90-minute integrated exercise: replan a diversion, update the nav log, and submit a complete corrected documentation package
Navigation & Flight planning and navigation documentation
Consolidate weak areas identified by prior deliverables into a targeted revision list
Complete two full-length timed practice papers under exam conditions
Review every incorrect answer and restate the underlying principle in your own words
Your checkpoint
Two completed practice papers with a written error-analysis sheet showing the corrected principle for each mistake and a final readiness rating
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question wind triangle and 1-in-60 quiz without notes
Week 4: Produce a plotted route and navaid comparison table that a peer can follow without asking clarifying questions
Week 6: Submit a nav log and flight plan where every fuel, time, and heading figure is independently reproducible
Week 8: Achieve 85% or higher on both timed practice papers with all errors documented and explained