Navigation
Charts and position
Know how to read a chart: latitude and longitude, scale, and the meaning of the graticule. Understand the difference between true and magnetic directions, and how variation is applied. Know the difference between a rhumb line (constant track) and a great circle (shortest distance).
Dead reckoning and wind
Know the wind triangle: heading, true airspeed, wind direction and speed, track, and groundspeed. Understand drift and how to apply the wind correction angle. Know that groundspeed is true airspeed corrected for wind, and that time en route equals distance divided by groundspeed.
Radio navigation
Know the basic principles of VOR, NDB/ADF, DME, and GNSS. Understand that VOR gives a radial from the station, not a track, and that ADF gives a bearing to the station. Know the meaning of a waypoint and the role of RNAV.
Traps
- Confusing heading and track; they differ by drift.
- Applying variation in the wrong direction (east is least, west is best).
- Assuming a VOR radial is a track; it is a line from the station.
- Forgetting that wind affects groundspeed, not true airspeed.
Worked example
If true airspeed is 120 kt, the wind is 30 kt from the left, and the required track is 090°, the wind correction angle is roughly 14° into wind, so the heading is about 076°. Use the sine rule for a quick estimate.