Navigation methods
Three basic methods get a VFR flight from A to B:
| Method | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pilotage | Navigation by visible landmarks or checkpoints. Works on any route with adequate checkpoints |
| Dead reckoning (DR) | Navigation solely by computation (time, airspeed, distance, direction), adjusted for wind, to get heading and groundspeed (GS) |
| Radio navigation | Navigation by use of radio aids |
- DR pre-flight inputs: wind, true airspeed (TAS), true track, magnetic variation (PHAK ch.16 steps for obtaining flight information).
Cross-country use:
- Pilotage and DR normally flown together: DR predicts heading and GS, pilotage checks and corrects them against checkpoints as they pass.
- Exception, flights over water: no checkpoints, so DR (with radio navigation, if fitted) carries more of the load.
Checkpoint discipline:
- Choose ample checkpoints. Never stake a leg on one.
- Pick features that bracket the course (highways, rivers, railroads, mountains): drift to either side shows early.
- Checkpoint missed: hold heading, look for the next. Turning off heading to search gets pilots lost.
Trap: pilotage and DR are not alternatives; run together, DR predicts, pilotage confirms.
References
- PHAK ch.16 Introduction
- PHAK ch.16 Pilotage
- PHAK ch.16 Dead Reckoning