Prepare for: Diversion and Lost Procedures
Changing destination mid-flight, and what to do if you're unsure of your position.
Your CFI's syllabus and your airplane's POH come first. This page is a general study aid to help you show up prepared.
What you'll do
- Diversion: turn toward the new destination immediately using a rough heading, then refine it.
- Estimate distance, time and fuel with rules of thumb, and update the plan.
- Lost: Climb (see more, better radio range), Communicate (ATC or 121.5), Confess, Comply, and Conserve fuel.
- Use GPS, VOR radials or large landmarks to fix your position.
The standard you'll be held to
Quoted from the current FAA Airman Certification Standards for each level that tests this.
Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)Task PA.VI.C · Diversion
- Select a suitable destination and route for diversion.
- Make a reasonable estimate of heading, groundspeed, arrival time, and fuel required to the “divert to” destination.
- Maintain the selected altitude, ±200 feet and heading, ±15°.
- Update/interpret weather in flight.
- Use displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, as applicable to maintain situational awareness.
- Promptly divert toward the destination.
Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)Task PA.VI.D · Lost Procedures
- Use an appropriate method to determine position.
- Maintain an appropriate heading and climb as necessary.
- Identify prominent landmarks.
- Use navigation systems/facilities or contact an ATC facility for assistance.
- Select an appropriate course of action.
Read it in the FAA handbooks
The official chapters behind this page. Each link opens the exact chapter, free on faa.gov. See the full Study Library.
Prepare the night before
- Practice measuring a quick course with your thumb or a pencil on the chart.
- Know frequencies for nearby ATC facilities.
Common mistakes
- Spending too long calculating before turning.
- Being too embarrassed to ask ATC for help.
Questions to ask your instructor
- Will you give me a surprise diversion?
- How do you estimate headings quickly?
Related lessons
Check yourself
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