Navigation
Charts and position
Understand aeronautical charts, symbols, and how to plot position and track. Learn about latitude and longitude, magnetic variation, and how to convert between true and magnetic headings.
Dead reckoning
Study time, speed, distance, and fuel calculations. Know how wind affects groundspeed and heading, and how to correct for drift.
Radio navigation
Understand basic use of VOR, GPS, and ADF, and their limitations. Know how to interpret bearing and distance information.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: with a 20 kt headwind on a 100 kt cruise speed, groundspeed is 80 kt. At 80 kt, 40 NM takes 30 minutes, not 24 minutes - always recompute time with actual groundspeed.
Traps
Questions often test magnetic versus true headings, or require you to apply variation correctly. Watch for unit mismatches and for wind given in different formats.