NZ CAA PPL Navigation study guide
NZ CAA PPL Navigation · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 study guide has 5 sections and about 1,565 words.
01Flight planning and navigation preparation
This domain tests whether you can prepare a New Zealand VFR navigation flight that is legal, within aircraft limits and fuel-safe. Questions target chart and AIP selection, route and airspace planning, weather and NOTAM briefing, fuel and weight-and-balance, alternates and flight notification.
341 words, about 2 min02Dead reckoning
Dead reckoning is navigation from a known position using heading, TAS, time and wind. The exam tests the wind triangle, drift and groundspeed, conversion between true, magnetic and compass, and revising an ETA when conditions differ from forecast.
301 words, about 2 min03Map reading and in-flight navigation
This domain tests chart interpretation, position fixing and track keeping in flight. Expect questions on VNC scale and symbols, airspace boundaries, visual checkpoints, drift correction, ETA revision and lost procedure.
312 words, about 2 min04Radio navigation aids and GNSS
This domain tests practical use of VOR, NDB/ADF, DME and GNSS for VFR navigation. Expect radial/bearing questions, TO/FROM interpretation, slant-range error, and the limitations of GNSS.
313 words, about 2 min05Meteorology and winds affecting navigation
This domain tests how New Zealand weather and winds affect navigation planning and in-flight decisions. Expect questions on METAR/TAF, GAF, SIGMET, winds aloft, QNH, drift, mountain wave, sea breezes and density altitude.
298 words, about 1 min