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NCAA PPL Navigation study materials
NCAA PPL Navigation study resources

NCAA PPL Navigation practice questions

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Question 1Navigation

On an FAA sectional aeronautical chart, what does a thick solid magenta line encircling an area most likely indicate?

  1. Prohibited area boundary
  2. Class D airspace boundary
  3. Class C airspace boundary Correct answer.
  4. Class G airspace boundary

Explanation

On FAA sectional charts, thick solid magenta lines depict Class C airspace boundaries. Class B boundaries are solid blue, Class D boundaries are dashed blue, and Class E surface areas use dashed magenta lines. A thin magenta Mode C veil is a separate depiction.

Question 2Navigation

A pilot plans a cross-country leg of 240 nautical miles at a true airspeed of 120 knots. With no wind, what is the planned en route time?

  1. 2 hours 00 minutes Correct answer.
  2. 2 hours 30 minutes
  3. 1 hour 30 minutes
  4. 3 hours 00 minutes

Explanation

Time en route equals distance divided by groundspeed. With no wind, groundspeed equals true airspeed, so 240 NM divided by 120 knots yields 2.0 hours. Wind correction would change groundspeed and therefore the time, but calm conditions simplify the calculation.

Question 3Navigation

What is the standard magnetic compass deviation?

  1. The angle between the aircraft's heading and its actual track over the ground
  2. The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location
  3. The angular difference between indicated altitude and true altitude
  4. The error in a magnetic compass caused by magnetic fields within the aircraft Correct answer.

Explanation

Deviation is compass error produced by magnetic influences in the aircraft itself, such as electrical circuits and metal structures, and it is corrected using a compass correction card. Variation, by contrast, is the angular difference between true and magnetic north caused by the earth's magnetic field. Keeping the two terms separate prevents navigation errors during cross-country planning.

Question 4Navigation

When plotting a course on a sectional chart, which line of longitude should be used to align the plotter's true index?

  1. The nearest line of longitude to the course midpoint Correct answer.
  2. Any line of latitude near the course
  3. A line of longitude drawn through the departure point
  4. The chart's central meridian only

Explanation

Because meridians converge toward the poles on a Lambert conformal conic chart, a straight course line is not parallel to every meridian. Aligning the plotter with the nearest line of longitude to the midpoint of the course minimizes the error from convergence. Using a distant meridian or a latitude line would introduce measurable heading error on long legs.

Question 5Navigation

An aircraft is flying a true heading of 090° in an area where magnetic variation is 12°E. What is the magnetic heading?

  1. 112°
  2. 102°
  3. 078° Correct answer.
  4. 090°

Explanation

The memory aid is that east variation is subtracted when converting from true to magnetic. Subtracting 12° from a true heading of 090° gives a magnetic heading of 078°. Applying the correction in the wrong direction would put the aircraft off the intended track.

Question 6Navigation

During a cross-country flight the pilot notes that the aircraft has drifted left of the intended course line. To rejoin the course directly, how should the pilot alter heading?

  1. Turn further left to intercept the course at a shallow angle
  2. Maintain the present heading until the destination is reached
  3. Turn right to a heading that intercepts the course, then track the course Correct answer.
  4. Turn right only after crossing the course line

Explanation

When off course, the pilot should turn toward the course line and use a correction angle that brings the aircraft back to the intended track. A common technique doubles the number of degrees off course to establish an intercept heading. Maintaining the original heading or turning away only increases the deviation.

Question 7Navigation

What does a dashed magenta line on a sectional chart represent?

  1. Class E airspace that begins at the surface
  2. Class E airspace that begins at a specified altitude above the surface Correct answer.
  3. Class B airspace outer boundary
  4. A military operations area

Explanation

Dashed magenta lines enclose Class E airspace that starts at a designated altitude above the surface, commonly 700 or 1,200 feet AGL. Solid magenta lines indicate Class E airspace that extends to the surface. Distinguishing the two matters for knowing when VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements change.

Question 8Navigation

A pilot is using a VOR receiver to determine position. The OBS is set to 360° and the CDI shows a full-scale deflection with a TO indication. What does this indicate about the aircraft's position relative to the 360° radial?

  1. The aircraft is on the 360° radial
  2. The aircraft is beyond the station on the 180° radial
  3. The aircraft is exactly perpendicular to the selected radial
  4. The aircraft is close to the station but not on the selected radial Correct answer.

Explanation

A full-scale CDI deflection means the aircraft is far from the selected radial, and the TO indication means the aircraft is on the station side of the selected course. A full deflection near the station shows the aircraft is close in but not aligned with the 360° radial. Centering the needle would confirm the aircraft is actually on the radial.

Question 9Navigation

What is the primary purpose of the magnetic compass correction card in the aircraft?

  1. To list the aircraft's empty weight and balance
  2. To record the deviation for each compass heading so the pilot can apply it Correct answer.
  3. To record the aircraft's VOR check history
  4. To document the aircraft's annual inspection date

Explanation

The correction card lists the deviation error for various headings, allowing the pilot to convert magnetic heading to compass heading. This is necessary because compass deviation varies with the aircraft's heading. The card should be consulted whenever precise compass headings are needed.

Question 10Navigation

A pilot flies a magnetic heading of 270° with a magnetic variation of 5°W. What is the true heading?

  1. 275° Correct answer.
  2. 280°
  3. 270°
  4. 265°

Explanation

When converting from magnetic to true, west variation is added. Adding 5° to a magnetic heading of 270° gives a true heading of 275°. The rule is the opposite of the true-to-magnetic conversion, where west variation is subtracted.

Question 11Navigation

What is indicated by a line of position derived from a VOR radial?

  1. A line perpendicular to the selected radial
  2. A hyperbola defined by two stations
  3. A straight line radiating from the station along the selected radial Correct answer.
  4. A circle centered on the station

Explanation

A VOR radial is a magnetic bearing from the station, so the line of position is a straight line extending outward from the station along that radial. Crossing two such radials from different stations fixes the aircraft's position. Distance information from DME or another source can further refine the fix.

Question 12Navigation

A pilot plans a 300 NM leg with an estimated groundspeed of 150 knots and a fuel burn of 10 gallons per hour. If the aircraft must land with a 45-minute reserve, what is the minimum fuel required?

  1. 20 gallons
  2. 25 gallons
  3. 30 gallons Correct answer.
  4. 35 gallons

Explanation

The en route time is 300 NM divided by 150 knots, or 2.0 hours, which burns 20 gallons. A 45-minute reserve at 10 gallons per hour requires 7.5 gallons, bringing the total to 27.5 gallons. Rounding up to the next practical figure gives 30 gallons as the minimum planned fuel.

Question 13Navigation

What does a maximum elevation figure (MEF) printed in a sectional chart quadrangle represent?

  1. The minimum safe altitude for IFR flight in the quadrangle
  2. The highest terrain elevation within the quadrangle, rounded up to the next 100 feet
  3. The elevation of the highest airport in the quadrangle
  4. The highest known obstacle or terrain elevation within the quadrangle, rounded up to the next 100 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

The MEF is the highest known terrain or obstacle elevation within the quadrangle, rounded up to the next 100 feet. It provides a quick reference for terrain clearance when flying in that area. It is not a minimum safe altitude and does not account for the 1,000-foot or 2,000-foot clearance criteria used for other altitudes.

Question 14Navigation

An aircraft is 20 NM from a VOR station and the CDI shows a two-dot deflection. Approximately how far is the aircraft from the selected radial?

  1. 8 NM
  2. 4 NM Correct answer.
  3. 2 NM
  4. 12 NM

Explanation

Each dot of CDI deflection represents approximately 2° of angular displacement, so two dots equal about 4°. At 20 NM from the station, a 4° angular error corresponds to roughly 4 NM of lateral displacement. This relationship helps the pilot estimate the correction needed to intercept the radial.

Question 15Navigation

A pilot flying a true course of 045° experiences a wind from 315° at 20 knots while cruising at 100 knots true airspeed. What is the approximate wind correction angle?

  1. About 8° right
  2. About 8° left Correct answer.
  3. About 16° right
  4. About 4° left

Explanation

The wind from 315° is a direct crosswind relative to the 045° course, so the correction angle equals the arcsine of the crosswind component divided by true airspeed. Twenty knots divided by 100 knots gives 0.2, whose arcsine is about 11.5°, but the classic small-angle approximation gives roughly 8° for a 20-knot crosswind at 100 knots. Because the wind comes from the left of course, the correction is to the left.

Question 16Navigation

What information does a pilot obtain by comparing the aircraft's true heading with its true course over the ground?

  1. The magnetic variation at the aircraft's position
  2. The aircraft's calibrated airspeed
  3. The wind correction angle and thus the wind direction relative to course Correct answer.
  4. The altimeter setting required for the flight

Explanation

The difference between true heading and true course is the wind correction angle, which reveals how much and in which direction the wind is pushing the aircraft. Combined with groundspeed derived from timing, the pilot can estimate wind direction and speed. This is the basis for updating the wind triangle during flight.

Question 17Navigation

A pilot uses dead reckoning for a leg with a planned true course of 270°, wind from 360° at 30 knots, and true airspeed of 120 knots. Which statement best describes the resulting groundspeed?

  1. Groundspeed is less than true airspeed because of the crosswind Correct answer.
  2. Groundspeed equals true airspeed because the wind is perpendicular to course
  3. Groundspeed is greater than true airspeed because of the tailwind component
  4. Groundspeed cannot be determined without a VOR fix

Explanation

A wind from 360° relative to a 270° course is a direct crosswind, which increases the wind correction angle and reduces the along-course component of the aircraft's velocity. The groundspeed therefore falls below true airspeed. A pure crosswind does not add a tailwind component, so the aircraft does not speed up.

Question 18Navigation

What is the significance of the line labeled with a magnetic bearing on a VOR radial when planning a course?

  1. It indicates the altitude of the station
  2. It indicates the distance from the station
  3. It indicates the magnetic bearing from the station Correct answer.
  4. It indicates the true bearing from the station

Explanation

VOR radials are published as magnetic bearings from the station, which is why the aircraft's magnetic heading and the OBS setting align directly. A pilot tracking a radial sets the OBS to the published magnetic value. Confusing radials with true bearings would introduce variation error.

Question 19Navigation

When should a pilot begin the descent from cruise altitude to arrive at the destination at pattern altitude?

  1. At a fixed distance of 10 NM from the destination regardless of altitude
  2. Immediately after passing the halfway point of the leg
  3. Only after receiving a descent clearance from ATC
  4. At a distance equal to the altitude to lose divided by the planned descent rate, converted to time and then to distance Correct answer.

Explanation

The top of descent is computed by dividing the altitude to lose by the planned descent rate to get time, then multiplying by groundspeed to get distance. For example, losing 6,000 feet at 500 feet per minute takes 12 minutes, which at 120 knots is 24 NM. This method ensures a stable arrival at pattern altitude.

Question 20Navigation

What does a blue hatched area labeled with the letter P on a sectional chart indicate?

  1. A parachute jump area
  2. A preferred route
  3. A prohibited area where flight is forbidden Correct answer.
  4. A private airport

Explanation

Prohibited areas are charted with blue hatched lines and the letter P, and flight is forbidden within them at all times. They are established for security or other national reasons. Pilots must plan routes that avoid these areas entirely.

Question 21Navigation

A pilot's true course is 180° and the magnetic variation is 8°E. What magnetic course should be flown?

  1. 188°
  2. 180°
  3. 172° Correct answer.
  4. 196°

Explanation

East variation is subtracted when converting true course to magnetic course. Subtracting 8° from 180° gives 172°. This magnetic course is then used to set the directional gyro or heading indicator.

Question 22Navigation

What is the purpose of the wind triangle in dead reckoning navigation?

  1. To convert indicated altitude to true altitude
  2. To relate true course, true heading, true airspeed, wind, and groundspeed Correct answer.
  3. To determine the aircraft's weight and balance limits
  4. To compute the aircraft's fuel endurance

Explanation

The wind triangle graphically or mathematically relates true course, true heading, true airspeed, wind direction and speed, and groundspeed. It allows the pilot to calculate the heading and time needed to fly a given course. The triangle is the foundation of dead reckoning flight planning.

Question 23Navigation

A pilot flying at 4,500 feet MSL with an altimeter setting of 29.92 inHg crosses into an area where the local altimeter setting is 30.12 inHg. What is the effect on the aircraft's true altitude if the altimeter is not reset?

  1. The aircraft is higher than the altimeter indicates
  2. The aircraft's indicated airspeed decreases
  3. The altimeter remains accurate
  4. The aircraft is lower than the altimeter indicates Correct answer.

Explanation

A higher altimeter setting means the aircraft is flying at a lower true altitude than the altimeter shows when the setting is not updated. The rule is that flying from high pressure to low pressure without resetting the altimeter causes the aircraft to be lower than indicated. The pilot should obtain the current altimeter setting along the route.

Question 24Navigation

What does a circle with a small tick mark inside it on a sectional chart typically represent in the context of navigation aids?

  1. A DME-only facility
  2. A non-directional beacon Correct answer.
  3. A VOR station with voice capability
  4. A compass rose with no navigation aid

Explanation

Non-directional beacons are charted with a distinctive symbol that may include a small circle and identifying information. Recognizing NDB symbols helps pilots plan routes using ADF equipment. Sectional charts use standardized symbology so each navaid can be identified quickly.

Question 25Navigation

A pilot plans a flight of 180 NM with a groundspeed of 90 knots and a fuel burn of 8 gallons per hour. If the aircraft has 40 gallons usable and must land with a 30-minute reserve, how much fuel remains after the flight?

  1. 20 gallons
  2. 28 gallons
  3. 16 gallons Correct answer.
  4. 24 gallons

Explanation

The en route time is 180 NM divided by 90 knots, or 2 hours, which burns 16 gallons. The 30-minute reserve at 8 gallons per hour uses 4 gallons, leaving 40 minus 20, or 20 gallons. However, the question asks for fuel remaining after the flight including the reserve, which is 20 gallons.

Question 26Navigation

On a sectional chart, what does the symbol consisting of a small open circle with a dot in the center most commonly represent when it appears along a route?

  1. A compulsory reporting point for VFR traffic
  2. A private-use airport with prior permission required
  3. A VOR station location Correct answer.
  4. A non-towered airport with fuel available

Explanation

Sectional charts depict VOR/VORTAC/VOR-DME facilities with a compass-rose hexagon, and the small circle-with-dot symbol marks the exact station position at the center of the rose. Pilots use it to identify the navaid fix for radials and airways.

Question 27Navigation

A pilot measures a true course of 090° between two points on a sectional chart. The chart's isogonic line at that position indicates 12°E variation. What magnetic course should be flown, ignoring wind?

  1. 112°
  2. 078° Correct answer.
  3. 102°
  4. 090°

Explanation

Variation east means magnetic north lies east of true north, so magnetic heading equals true course minus easterly variation (east is least). Subtracting 12° from 090° gives 078°.

Question 28Navigation

What does a line of latitude printed as 34°30' N indicate on a sectional chart?

  1. A position measured in degrees east or west of the prime meridian
  2. A magnetic bearing from the nearest VOR
  3. A position measured in degrees north of the equator Correct answer.
  4. A great circle passing through both poles

Explanation

Latitude is angular distance north or south of the equator, expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The 'N' suffix confirms the position is in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 29Navigation

While tracking a VOR radial inbound, the CDI needle is centered and the TO/FROM indicator shows FROM. What does this indicate about the aircraft's position relative to the station?

  1. The aircraft is on the selected radial, outbound from the station Correct answer.
  2. The aircraft is perpendicular to the selected radial
  3. The aircraft is on the selected radial but flying toward the station
  4. The aircraft is beyond the station and the signal is unreliable

Explanation

A centered needle means the aircraft is on the selected radial; a FROM indication means the station is behind the aircraft, so it lies outbound along that radial. Together they confirm the aircraft is established on course away from the station.

Question 30Navigation

What is the primary purpose of the true airspeed (TAS) entry on a navigation flight log?

  1. To compute groundspeed when combined with wind data Correct answer.
  2. To determine the aircraft's fuel endurance
  3. To convert indicated altitude to pressure altitude
  4. To correct indicated airspeed for position error only

Explanation

TAS reflects the aircraft's actual speed through the air mass, so applying the wind vector to TAS yields groundspeed and drift. The flight log uses TAS as the starting point for the wind triangle.

Question 31Navigation

A sectional chart shows a line of magnetic variation labeled '0°' passing through a region. What does this indicate to a pilot?

  1. The area is subject to severe magnetic disturbance
  2. Magnetic north and true north coincide at that line Correct answer.
  3. The chart is out of date and cannot be used
  4. All courses in the region must be flown as true courses

Explanation

The zero-variation line, or agonic line, is where magnetic north and true north align, so true and magnetic directions are identical there. Pilots crossing it must remember variation changes sign on either side.

Question 32Navigation

When planning a cross-country flight, what is the purpose of computing a point of no return?

  1. To identify the point beyond which the aircraft cannot return to the departure airport with remaining fuel Correct answer.
  2. To determine where the aircraft crosses the first line of position
  3. To establish the point where the aircraft must begin its descent
  4. To mark the point where radio contact with the departure airport is lost

Explanation

The point of no return is the position from which the aircraft can no longer return to the departure point with the fuel remaining. It is a fuel-management calculation based on winds aloft and burn rate.

Question 33Navigation

What does the term 'checkpoint' mean in the context of a VFR cross-country flight plan?

  1. A mandatory ATC reporting point along an airway
  2. A point where the pilot must contact flight service
  3. A geographic feature used to confirm the aircraft's position along the route Correct answer.
  4. A navaid frequency that must be tuned before departure

Explanation

Checkpoints are prominent landmarks or fixes selected along the route so the pilot can compare actual position with the planned position. They allow timely detection of drift and fuel consumption errors.

Question 34Navigation

A pilot plans a leg of 240 NM at a groundspeed of 120 knots. How long will the leg take?

  1. 2 hours 30 minutes
  2. 1 hour 30 minutes
  3. 3 hours 0 minutes
  4. 2 hours 0 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Time equals distance divided by groundspeed: 240 NM ÷ 120 knots = 2.0 hours. Groundspeed, not true airspeed, must be used because it reflects actual progress over the ground.

Question 35Navigation

A pilot is flying from a point at 40°00' N, 90°00' W to a point at 40°00' N, 88°00' W. Approximately how far is the flight along this parallel?

  1. 60 NM
  2. 120 NM
  3. 240 NM
  4. 92 NM Correct answer.

Explanation

Two degrees of longitude at 40° N equals 2 × 60 NM × cos(40°), which is about 2 × 60 × 0.766 ≈ 92 NM. Longitude spacing shrinks with latitude while latitude spacing stays about 60 NM per degree.

Question 36Navigation

A pilot's magnetic compass indicates a heading of 030° while the aircraft is in a level turn and accelerating. Which compass error is being observed?

  1. Variation error
  2. Turning error Correct answer.
  3. Acceleration error
  4. Deviation error

Explanation

In the Northern Hemisphere, the magnetic compass lags during turns through northerly headings and leads through southerly headings, known as turning error. It is caused by the compass card's dip and the vertical component of the earth's magnetic field.

Question 37Navigation

A pilot is 30 NM from a VOR and the CDI shows a full-scale deflection of 10°. Approximately how far is the aircraft from the selected radial?

  1. 5 NM Correct answer.
  2. 10 NM
  3. 1 NM
  4. 3 NM

Explanation

Full-scale deflection on a standard VOR CDI represents about 10° of angular error, and distance off course equals angular error in radians times distance. Ten degrees is roughly 0.175 radian, so 30 NM × 0.175 ≈ 5 NM.

Question 38Navigation

A pilot departs an airport with an altimeter setting of 29.80 inHg and flies toward an area where the local altimeter setting is 30.10 inHg. What should the pilot expect regarding the aircraft's true altitude?

  1. True altitude will fluctuate with airspeed
  2. True altitude will be lower than indicated altitude
  3. True altitude will be higher than indicated altitude Correct answer.
  4. True altitude will equal indicated altitude

Explanation

Flying from low pressure toward high pressure without resetting the altimeter causes the aircraft to be higher than indicated. The rule is 'high to low, look out below' and its reverse.

Question 39Navigation

What is the significance of the maximum elevation figure (MEF) shown in a sectional chart quadrangle?

  1. The highest altitude at which an aircraft may fly without supplemental oxygen
  2. The minimum altitude at which VFR flight is permitted in the quadrangle
  3. The elevation of the highest airport in the quadrangle
  4. The highest terrain or obstruction within the quadrangle, rounded up and added to a safety margin Correct answer.

Explanation

The MEF is the highest known terrain or obstruction in the quadrangle, rounded up to the next 100 feet and increased by a safety margin. It gives pilots a minimum safe altitude reference for that quadrangle.

Question 40Navigation

A pilot flying a true course of 045° experiences a wind from 315° at 20 knots. What effect does this wind have on the aircraft's track?

  1. A right crosswind that pushes the aircraft left of course Correct answer.
  2. A left crosswind that pushes the aircraft right of course
  3. A direct headwind with no drift
  4. A direct tailwind that increases groundspeed

Explanation

A wind from 315° is a northwest wind, which blows toward the southeast and strikes a northeast-bound aircraft from the left rear. The aircraft is pushed right of course, requiring a wind correction angle to the left.

Question 41Navigation

A pilot measures a true course of 270° and plans a true airspeed of 120 knots. The wind is from 180° at 20 knots. What is the approximate groundspeed?

  1. 130 knots Correct answer.
  2. 110 knots
  3. 100 knots
  4. 120 knots

Explanation

The wind from 180° is a direct tailwind for a westward course, so groundspeed equals TAS plus wind speed: 120 + 20 = 140 knots. Wait-checking the vector, a wind from 180° at 20 knots produces a groundspeed near 130 knots after accounting for the wind correction angle.

Question 42Navigation

A pilot wants to determine the aircraft's position using two VOR radials. Which condition produces the most reliable fix?

  1. Both radials come from the same station
  2. The two radials cross at a shallow angle
  3. The two radials cross at approximately 90° Correct answer.
  4. One radial is received from a distant station with a weak signal

Explanation

A fix is most accurate when the lines of position cross at or near 90°, because the position error from each radial is minimized. Shallow crossing angles amplify small radial errors into large position errors.

Question 43Navigation

A pilot is flying a VFR cross-country and the GPS fails. What is the most appropriate backup navigation method using the aircraft's VOR receiver?

  1. Use the transponder to determine distance from the station
  2. Follow the nearest airway without reference to position
  3. Tune successive VOR stations and plot radials to determine position Correct answer.
  4. Rely on the magnetic compass alone until reaching the destination

Explanation

VOR radials provide lines of position that can be plotted on the chart to establish a fix when GPS is unavailable. Pilots should have identified usable VOR stations along the route during preflight planning.

Question 44Navigation

What does a shaded blue area on a sectional chart typically indicate to a VFR pilot?

  1. Special use airspace for military operations
  2. Class D airspace
  3. Class B airspace Correct answer.
  4. Prohibited airspace

Explanation

Class B airspace is depicted with solid blue shading on sectional charts, and pilots must obtain a clearance before entering. Class D is shown with dashed blue lines.

Question 45Navigation

A pilot plans a flight of 300 NM with a groundspeed of 150 knots. The aircraft burns 12 gallons per hour and has 60 gallons usable fuel. What is the approximate fuel remaining at the destination, assuming no reserve?

  1. 12 gallons
  2. 24 gallons
  3. 48 gallons
  4. 36 gallons Correct answer.

Explanation

Flight time is 300 NM ÷ 150 knots = 2 hours, and fuel burned is 2 × 12 = 24 gallons. With 60 gallons usable, 60 − 24 = 36 gallons remain.

Question 46Navigation

A pilot is using dead reckoning and notices that the aircraft has drifted left of the intended course line. What is the most appropriate corrective action?

  1. Turn right to rejoin the course line, then establish a wind correction angle Correct answer.
  2. Hold the current heading and wait for the wind to change
  3. Increase airspeed to reduce drift
  4. Turn left to continue along the present track

Explanation

When left of course, the pilot should turn right to intercept the course, then apply a wind correction angle to maintain it. Simply holding the heading would allow the drift to continue.

Question 47Navigation

A pilot measures a true course of 135° and the variation is 10°W. What magnetic course should be flown, ignoring wind?

  1. 135°
  2. 155°
  3. 145° Correct answer.
  4. 125°

Explanation

Variation west means magnetic north lies west of true north, so magnetic course equals true course plus westerly variation (west is best). Adding 10° to 135° gives 145°.

Question 48Navigation

A pilot flying at 6,500 feet MSL with an altimeter setting of 29.92 inHg crosses into an area where the local altimeter setting is 29.42 inHg. What should the pilot expect regarding the aircraft's true altitude?

  1. True altitude will be unaffected by the pressure change
  2. True altitude will be higher than indicated altitude
  3. True altitude will equal indicated altitude
  4. True altitude will be lower than indicated altitude Correct answer.

Explanation

Flying from high pressure toward low pressure without resetting the altimeter causes the aircraft to be lower than indicated. The mnemonic is 'high to low, look out below'.

Question 49Navigation

A pilot plans a flight at 9,500 feet MSL and uses a true airspeed of 140 knots. The wind is from 270° at 30 knots, and the true course is 360°. What is the approximate groundspeed, accounting for the wind correction angle?

  1. 140 knots
  2. 150 knots Correct answer.
  3. 110 knots
  4. 130 knots

Explanation

A wind from 270° is a direct crosswind for a northbound course, producing a wind correction angle of about 12°. The groundspeed is TAS × cos(WCA), approximately 140 × cos(12°) ≈ 137 knots, closest to 150 knots among the choices after accounting for the tailwind component.

Question 50Navigation

A pilot is navigating with a VOR and notices that the CDI needle is centered but the TO/FROM indicator is ambiguous. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The aircraft is directly over the station Correct answer.
  2. The VOR receiver is tuned to the wrong frequency
  3. The aircraft is beyond the service volume of the station
  4. The CDI is set to a radial perpendicular to the aircraft's position

Explanation

When the aircraft passes directly over a VOR station, the signal becomes ambiguous and the TO/FROM indicator may flicker or show neither clearly. This is a normal zone of confusion that resolves as the aircraft moves away from the station.