Chapter 6 - Navigation

These notes are exam-focused for CASA PPL navigation, combining map reading, dead reckoning, radio/GNSS navigation, and in-flight management.

6.1 Earth, Tracks, and Distance Basics

• Latitude/longitude and chart grid use are foundational.
• Great circle vs rhumb line concepts (PPL practical navigation usually uses chart plotting approximations).
• Distance units and conversions:
  • Nautical mile and knot
  • Metric/imperial conversions as needed by question.

6.2 Time in Navigation

• Use UTC consistently in planning logs and reports.
• Understand local time conversions and date rollovers for long flights/briefing validity.
• ETA/ETO discipline is critical for both planning and SAR logic.

6.3 Chart Reading and Airspace Awareness

• Know chart types and intended use (en route vs terminal detail).
• Key chart skills:
  • Extract track and distance accurately
  • Read terrain/obstacle data
  • Identify airspace boundaries and requirements
  • Identify prohibited/restricted/danger areas and controlling conditions.

6.4 Dead Reckoning (DR) and Wind Triangle

• Standard DR sequence:
  • True track (TT)
  • Wind correction angle (WCA)
  • True heading (TH)
  • Variation/deviation corrections
  • Groundspeed and leg ETE
• Wind triangle can be solved with flight computer or equivalent method.
• Sign convention mistakes are a major exam error source.

6.5 Compass, Variation, Deviation

• Convert carefully between:
  • True
  • Magnetic
  • Compass
• Variation is geographic; deviation is aircraft/system specific.
• Compass turning/acceleration errors are more pronounced in certain headings and conditions.

6.6 Radio Navigation (PPL Concepts)

• NDB/ADF:
  • Relative bearing, QDM/QDR style interpretation concepts
  • Susceptible to atmospheric/coastal/night effects
• VOR:
  • Radials, TO/FROM logic, intercept/tracking concepts
• DME:
  • Slant range awareness at close range/high altitude differences.

6.7 GNSS/GPS Navigation

• GPS gives precise position but still needs pilot cross-check.
• Core concepts:
  • Waypoint sequencing
  • CDI sensitivity/scaling awareness
  • RAIM/integrity concepts
  • NOTAM/service availability impacts
• Risk management:
  • Database currency and route verification
  • Maintain pilotage/DR backup mindset.

6.8 Navigation Log and Fuel Integration

• Nav log should include:
  • Leg track/heading
  • Distance/GS/ETE
  • Frequencies, LSALT or safe altitude as applicable
  • Fuel remaining checks at checkpoints
• In-flight updates:
  • Recalculate GS from actual times
  • Update ETA and endurance
  • Decide diversion early if trend unfavorable.

6.9 Lost Procedure and Repositioning

• Lost management priorities:
  • Aviate
  • Navigate
  • Communicate
• Typical recovery methods:
  • Climb (if safe/legal) for better reception/visibility
  • Identify prominent fixes
  • Use radio/GNSS aids and ATC/FIS assistance
  • Conserve fuel and avoid indecision loops.

6.10 Human Factors in Navigation

• Common contributors:
  • Fixation on one instrument/source
  • Confirmation bias on position
  • Poor timing discipline
• Mitigation:
  • Time-track-distance cross-check
  • Regular gross error checks
  • Briefed decision points.

6.11 Key Definitions and Practical Examples

• True Track (TT): intended path over ground referenced to true north.
• True Heading (TH): aircraft nose direction relative to true north after wind correction.
• Groundspeed (GS): actual speed over ground.
  • Example: same TAS with stronger headwind gives lower GS and later ETA.
• WCA (Wind Correction Angle): correction from track to heading to offset drift.
  • Example: crosswind from right requires heading right of track to maintain desired path.
• Variation: angle between true north and magnetic north.
• Deviation: compass error caused by aircraft magnetic influences.
• RAIM (concept): GNSS integrity monitoring to confirm reliable navigation solution.

Scenario: drift correction in practice

• Planned TT 090, forecast wind from 180. Aircraft drifts left of track after departure.
• Correct response: apply right heading correction, confirm by timing/landmarks, then update nav log with actual GS and revised ETA.

6.12 Common Navigation Exam Traps

• Wrong sign on drift/variation correction.
• Mixing magnetic and true references mid-calculation.
• Unit conversion errors in distance/time/fuel.
• Treating GPS as infallible and ignoring integrity/NOTAM context.
• Failing to update nav log with actual groundspeed.

6.13 Rapid Revision Checklist (Pre-Exam)

• Can run full TT->TH->MH->CH style conversions correctly.
• Can solve wind triangle and explain each variable.
• Can decode basic NDB/VOR/GPS indications conceptually.
• Can perform in-flight position/fuel rechecks and diversion timing.
• Can describe a practical lost procedure sequence.

References (Primary)

• FAA PHAK (navigation and navigation systems chapters): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak