Flight Planning & Navigation Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the three main methods of VFR navigation?
Pilotage, dead reckoning, and radio navigation (e.g., VORs).
What is pilotage?
Navigation by visual reference to landmarks.
What is dead reckoning?
Navigation using heading, groundspeed, time, and distance calculations without external references.
What is the difference between magnetic heading and true heading?
Magnetic heading accounts for magnetic variation; true heading is based on geographic north.
How do you calculate estimated time en route (ETE)?
Distance ÷ Groundspeed.
What is the minimum VFR fuel reserve requirement for day flight?
30 minutes of fuel at normal cruising speed after reaching the destination.
What is the VFR fuel reserve requirement for night flight?
45 minutes after reaching the destination.
How is Class B airspace depicted on a sectional chart?
Solid blue lines with altitude segments indicated.
What does a magenta dashed line on a sectional chart indicate?
Class E airspace starting at the surface.
What does a thick magenta ring around an airport on a sectional mean?
Class C airspace.
How do you determine pressure altitude?
Set altimeter to 29.92” Hg and read the indicated altitude.
What does ‘density altitude’ mean?
Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature — affects aircraft performance.
How does high density altitude affect aircraft performance?
Reduces engine power, propeller efficiency, and lift, increasing takeoff distance.
What is the function of a navigation log (NavLog)?
Tracks heading, distance, time, fuel, and checkpoints for each flight leg.
What are some key elements you must calculate in flight planning?
- Heading
- Groundspeed
- Fuel burn
- Time en route
- Alternates
What is the purpose of a VOR?
Provides radial information for aircraft navigation using radio signals.
What symbol identifies a VOR station on a sectional chart?
A hexagon with a dot in the center and compass rose.
What does MEF stand for and what does it indicate?
Maximum Elevation Figure — the highest elevation in a grid area including obstacles.
What happens if your center of gravity (CG) is too far aft?
The aircraft becomes unstable and harder to recover from stalls.
What is the effect of being overweight on takeoff performance?
Longer takeoff roll, reduced climb rate, and poor performance in emergencies.
