Route Planning and Navigation Data
Route planning and navigation data test your ability to turn AIP NZ routes, waypoints and wind into a usable magnetic heading, ground speed and EET. The exam focuses on chart reading, FIR boundaries, PBN route structure and the track-to-heading calculation.
Route data
- Use the current AIRAC cycle. Check AIP NZ enroute charts, ATS route designators, waypoint coordinates and any NOTAM restrictions.
- NZ domestic IFR routes are largely RNAV; GNSS/PBN equipment must be serviceable and the flight plan must show the correct capability.
- Identify FIR boundaries - NZZC New Zealand and NZZO Auckland Oceanic - and note where EETs are required.
Track and heading
Start with true track, apply magnetic variation (isogonic lines; easterly variation is subtracted from true to get magnetic), then wind correction to obtain magnetic heading. Add deviation only for a magnetic compass; GNSS/HSI headings are already referenced to magnetic north after variation.
Worked example
True track 090°, variation 21°E → magnetic track 069°. Wind 360/30, TAS 300 kt. Angle between wind direction and magnetic track = 69°. Crosswind = 30 sin 69° = 28 kt; headwind = 30 cos 69° = 11 kt. Drift = (28/300) × 60 = 5.6°, wind from the left, so heading decreases: 069° − 5.6° = 063° magnetic. GS = 300 − 11 = 289 kt. For a 300 NM leg, EET = 300/289 = 1.04 h, or 1 h 02 min.
Traps
- Applying variation to the heading instead of the track.
- Using true wind with a magnetic track without converting.
- Ignoring deviation when the final guidance is a magnetic compass.
- Using an old AIRAC or a waypoint that is not on the cleared route.