Navigation Skills Flashcards
5 cards from real AQT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 5 Navigation Skills flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) station in navigation?
Answer: To assist in determining aircraft position relative to a specific point
A VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) station is a ground-based radio navigation aid that transmits signals in 360 degrees. Aircraft equipment interprets these signals to determine the aircraft's bearing (radial) relative to the VOR station. This allows pilots to accurately determine their position and navigate along specific routes, making it a fundamental tool for en route navigation.
How do you calculate the true heading required to fly from your current position to a waypoint given a wind correction angle?
Answer: Subtract the wind correction angle from the true heading
To maintain a desired track over the ground (True Course) in the presence of wind, a pilot must adjust the aircraft's nose direction (True Heading) by a Wind Correction Angle (WCA). The WCA is either added to or subtracted from the True Course, depending on the wind direction. For instance, with a left crosswind, the pilot must point the aircraft slightly left of the desired course, meaning the WCA is subtracted from the True Course to determine the True Heading.
What does the term "DR" stand for in navigation, and how is it used?
Answer: Dead Reckoning
'DR' stands for Dead Reckoning, which is a fundamental navigation technique. It involves calculating an aircraft's current or future position by using a previously determined position, along with estimated speed, course, and elapsed time. While modern navigation often relies on GPS, dead reckoning remains a crucial backup and planning tool for pilots to estimate their position.
When using a GPS for navigation, what is a "waypoint"?
Answer: A point where the aircraft is currently located
While waypoints are typically predefined geographical coordinates used to define a flight path, in a broader sense, the aircraft's current position can also be considered a dynamic waypoint. As an aircraft navigates, its present location is continuously updated and tracked by the GPS system. This allows pilots to monitor their progress relative to planned waypoints and understand their exact position within the overall flight plan.
What is the primary difference between True North and Magnetic North?
Answer: True North is based on the Earth's geographic poles, while Magnetic North is based on the Earth's magnetic field
True North is a fixed geographical direction pointing towards the Earth's rotational North Pole, serving as a constant reference. Magnetic North, in contrast, is the direction a compass needle points, aligning with the Earth's constantly shifting magnetic field. The angular difference between these two, known as magnetic variation, must be accounted for by pilots for accurate navigation.