Unit 12 review: Navigation and Cross-Country
A mixed check of all 5 lessons in this unit. Mixing topics is harder than one lesson at a time, and that's the point: it's how the written test and the oral exam ask.
The unit in one minute
- Reading sectional chartsSectional scale 1:500,000, updated every 56 days. One minute of latitude = 1 NM.
- Pilotage, dead reckoning and the wind trianglePilotage = landmarks; dead reckoning = computed heading, time and speed.
- VOR navigationA radial is a magnetic bearing FROM the station. Always identify the Morse code.
- GPS and planning a cross-countryUse GPS, but always be able to navigate without it.
- Diversions and lost proceduresDivert early: turn first, then refine heading, time and fuel.
Mixed check
12 questions pulled from across the unit. Wrong answers explain why and point you back to the lesson.
Explain it to your CFI
Say each one out loud in your own words, in under a minute. If you stall, reread that lesson. This is exactly what an examiner looks for.
- Reading sectional charts. Read latitude, longitude and distance on a sectional
- Pilotage, dead reckoning and the wind triangle. Compare pilotage and dead reckoning
- VOR navigation. Tune and identify a VOR
- GPS and planning a cross-country. Use GPS without becoming dependent on it
- Diversions and lost procedures. Divert to an alternate airport in flight
What the examiner may ask
What are the five Cs?
Climb, communicate, confess, comply, conserve.
Why would you use flight following?
Radar traffic advisories, help if something goes wrong, and an easier Class C/B coordination.
What's reverse sensing?
If you fly toward a VOR with the OBS set to the reciprocal of your course (FROM flag while going TO), the needle points away from the course.
Your GPS fails en route. What do you do?
Continue with pilotage and dead reckoning using your chart and nav log, use VORs, and ask ATC for help if needed.