NZ CAA PPL Navigation case studies

NZ CAA PPL Navigation · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The NZ CAA Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Navigation exam is one of the theory papers a candidate must pass before sitting the PPL flight test and qualifying to fly as pilot-in-command of a New Zealand-registered aircraft in a private capacity. It is aimed at student pilots working through a Part 61 training syllabus with a flight training organisation, and at overseas licence holders converting to a New Zealand PPL who need to demonstrate local navigation knowledge. The NZ CAA PPL Navigation case studies are 5 cases and about 2,959 words.

Ardmore to Tauranga: cruising level, wind triangle and fuel margin

You are planning a VFR flight in a C172 from Ardmore (NZAR) to Tauranga (NZTG), 78 NM, planned track 115°M. The aircraft has 110 L usable fuel, burns 32 L/h in cruise, and you allow 8 L for taxi and a 45-minute reserve.

633 words, about 3 min 2

Palmerston North to Napier: track error, closing angle and fuel after a fix

You are flying a C172 from Palmerston North (NZPM) to Napier (NZNR), 68 NM, planned track 040°M. TAS is 110 kt and the forecast wind is 300/15, giving a planned groundspeed of 112 kt and an ETA of 36 minutes.

584 words, about 3 min 3

Christchurch to Timaru: map fix, revised heading and lowering cloud

You are flying a C152 from Christchurch (NZCH) to Timaru (NZTU), 75 NM, planned track 210°M at 3,500 ft. TAS is 95 kt, forecast wind 300/25, planned groundspeed about 92 kt.

596 words, about 3 min 4

GNSS RAIM failure inbound to Christchurch: using VOR/DME

You are 28 NM southwest of Christchurch on a VFR flight, cleared into controlled airspace. Your GNSS suddenly annunciates “RAIM unavailable” and the moving map freezes.

567 words, about 3 min 5

Christchurch to Hokitika: mountain wave, headwind and fuel

You are planning a VFR crossing from Christchurch (NZCH) to Hokitika (NZHK), 85 NM, planned track 270°M at 10,500 ft in a C172. The forecast wind at 10,000 ft is 300/45, freezing level 8,000 ft, and there is lenticular cloud and moderate turbulence over the Southern Alps.

579 words, about 3 min