NZ CAA PPL Navigation key terms

The speed of an aircraft through the air mass, corrected for air density and temperature. Used with wind to calculate groundspeed and heading during dead reckoning flight planning.

The speed shown on the airspeed indicator, affected by instrument and position error. It must be corrected for pressure and density to derive true airspeed.

Indicated airspeed corrected for position and instrument error. It approximates true airspeed at sea level in standard conditions and is the basis for further density corrections.

The speed of the aircraft over the ground, being true airspeed adjusted for the wind component along track. It determines time en route and fuel burn.

A vector diagram combining true airspeed, wind velocity and groundspeed to solve for heading and groundspeed. It is the core calculation in dead reckoning navigation planning.

The angle between heading and track needed to offset drift caused by wind. It is applied to the track to obtain the heading to fly.

The direction in which the aircraft nose points, measured relative to a reference such as true or magnetic north. Wind correction is applied to track to obtain heading.

The actual path of the aircraft over the ground, expressed as a direction from a reference. It differs from heading whenever wind causes drift.

The lateral displacement of an aircraft from its intended path caused by wind. It is measured as the angle between heading and track.

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location, shown on aeronautical charts. It is applied to convert between true and magnetic directions.

The error of a magnetic compass caused by the aircraft's own magnetic fields and electrical equipment. It is listed on a compass correction card and varies with heading.

A line on a chart joining points of equal magnetic variation. These lines help pilots convert true directions to magnetic directions for a given area.

A navigation method calculating position by advancing a known position using heading, airspeed, time and wind. It does not rely on external fixes and accumulates error over time.

A confirmed aircraft position obtained by identifying ground features and relating them to a chart. It is used to update or correct a dead reckoning position.

Navigation by visually observing ground features and comparing them with an aeronautical chart. It is often combined with dead reckoning to confirm position and track.

A linear ground feature such as a road, railway, river or coastline used as a visual navigation aid. It can confirm position when crossed or followed.

The ratio relating a distance on a chart to the actual distance on the ground. It determines how much detail is shown and how distances are measured.

A unit of distance equal to one minute of latitude, approximately 1.852 kilometres. It is the standard unit for air navigation distances and speeds.

A speed of one nautical mile per hour. Airspeeds, groundspeeds and wind speeds in aviation are normally expressed in knots.

A VFR aeronautical chart at a scale of 1:500,000 showing airspace, terrain, navigation aids and obstructions. It is the primary chart for visual navigation in New Zealand.

A ground-based radio navigation aid transmitting signals that allow an aircraft to determine its magnetic bearing from the station. It provides radials for position fixing and track guidance.

A magnetic bearing extending outward from a VOR station. An aircraft's position can be fixed by the intersection of two radials.

A ground station transmitting a continuous radio signal used with an automatic direction finder to indicate the bearing of the station. It provides relative bearing information to the aircraft.

Airborne equipment that indicates the relative bearing of an NDB or other radio source. The pilot combines it with heading to obtain a magnetic bearing to the station.

The angle between the aircraft's heading and the direction of a radio station or feature, measured clockwise. Adding it to heading gives the magnetic bearing to the station.

Global Navigation Satellite System, such as GPS, providing position, track and groundspeed from satellite signals. It is used for area navigation but requires awareness of integrity and availability.

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring, a function that checks whether GNSS signals are consistent enough for safe navigation. It warns of faults affecting position accuracy.

A defined geographical point used as a reference in navigation, entered into a flight plan or navigation system. It may be a ground feature, navigation aid or coordinates.

Airborne and ground equipment that measures slant range distance from the aircraft to a ground station. It is often paired with VOR to provide distance information.

The altitude indicated when the altimeter is set to standard pressure 1013.25 hPa. It is used in flight planning and performance calculations at higher levels.

The altimeter setting that causes the altimeter to indicate altitude above mean sea level at the reporting station. It is used for terrain clearance during flight.

The altimeter setting that causes the altimeter to read zero at the aerodrome reference point. It is used for traffic pattern and approach height references.

Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature, representing the altitude at which the aircraft performance would occur in standard conditions. High values reduce performance.

The predicted wind direction and speed for a given level, used to calculate heading and groundspeed. Winds aloft forecasts are a key input to flight planning.

A line on a weather chart joining points of equal atmospheric pressure. Spacing and orientation indicate pressure gradients and prevailing wind patterns.

A routine aerodrome weather report giving wind, visibility, cloud, temperature and pressure. It is used to assess conditions before and during navigation.

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast predicting weather conditions at an aerodrome over a specified period. It supports flight planning and fuel and alternate decisions.

A document or filed record stating the aircraft, route, altitudes, times and endurance for a flight. It supports search and rescue and air traffic coordination.

The total flight time the aircraft can remain airborne with the fuel available. It must be checked against planned trip time plus reserves during flight planning.