Map 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.
Chart and in-flight rules
- The VNC is 1:500,000: 1 cm = 5 km ≈ 2.7 NM. Use Topo50 for detail. Identify CTR/CTA, ATZ, MBZ, restricted areas, obstacles, terrain, magnetic variation and reporting points.
- Before flight, draw the track, mark 10 NM ticks, ETAs, top of climb/descent, safe altitudes and alternates. Note airspace that must be avoided or entered with a clearance.
- In flight, compare chart and ground every few minutes. Use heading and time to estimate position; use visual features to confirm. If drift is present, apply a track correction and revise ETA.
- For track error, use 1 in 60: error in NM ÷ distance gone × 60 = track error in degrees. Add a closing angle based on distance remaining.
Worked example
On a VNC, a leg measures 47 mm. Distance = 47 × 5 km = 235 km; 235/1.852 = 127 NM. At GS 115 kt, time = 127/115 × 60 = 66 min. After 20 NM you are 2 NM left of track. Track error = 2/20 × 60 = 6°. The destination is 40 NM ahead, so closing angle = 2/40 × 60 = 3°. Turn right 9° to regain track, then turn left 6° to hold track after regaining it.
Traps
Using statute miles or the wrong scale; measuring along roads instead of the track; forgetting chart variation; confusing MBZ and CTR; relying only on GPS; and not updating ETA or fuel after drift.