Navigation
Navigation fundamentals
Know the Earth's coordinate system, latitude and longitude, and the difference between true, magnetic and compass headings. Understand variation (between true and magnetic) and deviation (between magnetic and compass), and how to apply them. Learn the triangle of velocities: heading and true airspeed combined with wind give track and groundspeed. Know the 1-in-60 rule and how to use it for drift correction.
Charts and flight planning
Understand the information on aeronautical charts: airspace, obstacles, frequencies and magnetic variation. Know how to plan a cross-country flight: fuel, time, distance, alternate, and reserve. For helicopters, low-level navigation uses ground features, and the pilot must respect obstacles and restricted areas. Understand the use of GPS and the importance of not relying on a single source.
Traps in questions
Questions often give a wind and ask for the heading to maintain a track: apply the wind correction angle in the correct direction. Another trap is confusing variation with deviation, or applying variation with the wrong sign. Watch for questions that ask for groundspeed rather than airspeed.
Worked example
Rule of thumb (1-in-60): if you are 2 NM off track after 30 NM, you are 4° off. To correct over the next 30 NM, apply a 4° correction plus 4° to regain track, i.e. an 8° heading change.