Navigation and Charting Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Navigation and Charting Exam

The Navigation and Charting Exam tests your knowledge of navigation principles, chart interpretation, and practical application in flight planning and execution. Here's a comprehensive study guide to help you succeed.

Key Topics to Study

1. Navigation Methods

Pilotage:
- Navigating by visual landmarks.
- Requires VFR conditions and familiarity with the terrain.
Dead Reckoning:
- Calculating position using speed, time, distance, and course.
- Uses a flight computer or E6B calculator.
Radio Navigation:
- Using VORs, NDBs, DME, and other NAVAIDs for position fixing.
GPS Navigation:
- Satellite-based; provides accurate position, speed, and altitude.

2. Aeronautical Charts

Types of Charts:
- Sectional Charts: Used for VFR; include topography, airports, and NAVAIDs.
- Terminal Area Charts (TAC): Higher detail for busy areas.
- Enroute Charts: Used for IFR flights; depict airways and NAVAIDs.
- World Aeronautical Charts (WAC): Low-detail for long-distance planning.
Chart Symbols:
- Airports, controlled and uncontrolled.
- NAVAIDs like VORs and NDBs.
- Terrain features, obstructions, and airspace boundaries.
Latitude and Longitude:
- Understanding grid references for precise location.

3. Airspace and Restrictions

Airspace Classes:
- Class A: IFR only.
- Class B, C, D: Controlled airspace for VFR and IFR.
- Class E: Controlled for IFR; no ATC required for VFR.
- Class G: Uncontrolled airspace.
Special Use Airspace:
- Restricted, prohibited, MOAs, alert areas, and warning areas.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs):
- Reasons for establishment and where to find information.

4. Flight Planning

Route Selection:
- Choosing the safest, most efficient route considering airspace, terrain, and weather.
Fuel Planning:
- Calculating fuel requirements, reserves, and alternate options.
Weather Considerations:
- Cross-referencing charts with METARs, TAFs, and SIGMETs.
NOTAMs:
- Notices to Airmen; critical updates on airspace, airports, or NAVAIDs.

5. Magnetic and True Directions

Variation:
- The angular difference between true north and magnetic north.
- Depicted on charts as isogonic lines.
Deviation:
- Compass error due to aircraft magnetic fields.
Conversion Formula:
- True Heading + Variation = Magnetic Heading.
- Apply west variation as subtraction; east as addition.

6. Time and Distance Calculations

Time Conversion:
- Converting between Zulu (UTC) and local time zones.
Groundspeed and Time Enroute:
- Calculating using the formula: Time = Distance ÷ Speed.
Wind Correction Angle:
- Adjusting heading to compensate for wind drift.

7. Instrument Navigation

VOR Navigation:
- Radials and bearing interception.
- TO/FROM indicators on the CDI.
ADF/NDB Navigation:
- Fixed-card, rotating-card, and RMI instruments.
- Homing vs. tracking techniques.
GPS Navigation:
- Direct-to navigation, waypoint creation, and RNAV routes.

8. Altitude and Terrain

MEA, MRA, MOCA, MAA:
- Minimum altitudes for obstacle clearance and signal reception.
Obstruction Depiction:
- Highest terrain and obstacle elevations marked in each quadrant.
Density Altitude:
- Effects on aircraft performance.

9. Emergency Navigation

Lost Procedures:
- Climb, conserve fuel, communicate, and comply with VFR-on-top rules.
Diversions:
- Selecting alternate routes or airports.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
What is the magnetic heading if the true course is 090° and the variation is 5°W?
- A. 085°
- B. 095°
- C. 090°
- D. 075°
(Correct Answer: A - 085°)
True/False:
Sectional charts are primarily used for IFR flight planning.
(Correct Answer: False – They are used for VFR flight planning.)
Scenario Question:
You’re flying at a magnetic heading of 240° and your ADF needle points 60° to the right. What is your bearing to the NDB?
Fill-in-the-Blank:
The __________ altitude ensures obstacle clearance and acceptable navigation signal coverage along an airway.
(Correct Answer: Minimum Enroute Altitude, MEA)
Practical Problem:
A flight plan estimates 2 hours and 30 minutes of flight time at a groundspeed of 120 knots. How much distance will be covered?

Study Tips

Practice Using Charts:
- Get familiar with sectional and enroute charts, including symbol interpretation.
Master Navigation Instruments:
- Practice using VORs, NDBs, and GPS simulators.
Solve Real-World Problems:
- Work through time, speed, distance, and wind correction calculations.
Learn Airspace Rules:
- Understand airspace classes, restrictions, and how they are depicted on charts.
Review FAA Publications:
- Study the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).