Navigation - Kazakhstan PPL
Navigation tests dead reckoning, pilotage, chart reading, magnetic direction, time/fuel planning, and limited use of GNSS/ground aids. Kazakhstan’s large distances and sparse navaids make accurate pre-flight planning and diversion planning essential.
Direction and charts
- True track is measured on the chart; magnetic track = true track minus easterly variation (plus westerly).
- Compass heading = magnetic heading minus easterly deviation (plus westerly).
- Use the 1-in-60 rule for track error: 1 nm off track after 60 nm equals 1°.
- GNSS is a useful aid, but know its failure modes and do not rely on it as the only navigation method.
- Fuel planning must include taxi, climb, cruise, descent, reserve and alternate; compare planned vs actual at waypoints.
Worked example
Planned true track 120°. Variation is 8°E; deviation is 2°W. Magnetic = 120 − 8 = 112°M. Compass = 112 + 2 = 114°C. Reasoning: easterly variation means magnetic north is east of true north, so magnetic track is smaller; westerly deviation means compass north is west of magnetic north, so compass heading is larger.
Traps
Reversing variation sign; mixing true and magnetic headings in the log; using groundspeed as TAS; forgetting wind drift on long legs.