BASIC NAVIGATION

In the early days of flight, navigational aids did not exist and the basic navigation technique was
pilotage. Pilots looked out of the window and navigated along the ground visual references or
landmarks. Nowadays VFR pilots still use this technique, but they carefully plan their route
before takeoff using detailed aeronautical chart. They plan their route, taking into account natural
obstacles and airspace which may be restricted or controlled. They then mark this route on their
charts.
Pilotage is most often used in combination with a navigation technique known as dead
reckoning. In dead reckoning navigation, the pilot uses a wind forecast to calculate heading to
steer and then, basing on a chosen true airspeed, he calculates an expected groundspeed. Using
these data, the pilot estimates an arrival time over a visual checkpoint along a desired track or the
time he will reach the destination. When the planned time has elapsed, the pilot confirms his
ground position with his chart. If the plane is on track on time and "on position", the pilot will
also know that his ETA at destination will be as predicted.
On the other hand, if the pilot sees that he is off track he will estimate a new heading to fly in
order to rejoin the track further along the route, or, alternatively, hell fly directly to the
destination from his observed position. In this case he will have to recalculate groundspeed,
update ETAs and revise his fuel management, so that the flight could be continued in safety.

1. What is pilotage?
Pilotage it is when pilots looked out of the window and navigate along the ground visual
references or landmarks. Pilotage is most often used in combination with a navigation technique
known as dead reckoning.
2. What are aeronautical charts used for?
Aeronautical charts are used for marking plan of pilot’s route, taking into account natural
obstacles and airspace which may be restricted or controlled.
3. What parameters does a pilot calculate for dead reckoning navigation? Why?
In dead reckoning navigation, the pilot uses a wind forecast to calculate heading to steer and
then, basing on a chosen true airspeed, he calculates an expected groundspeed. Using these data,
the pilot estimates an arrival time over a visual checkpoint along a desired track or the time he
will reach the destination.
4. What does a pilot have to do if he flies off course?
If the pilot sees that he is off track he will estimate a new heading to fly in order to rejoin the
track further along the route, or, alternatively, hell fly directly to the destination from his
observed position. In this case he will have to recalculate groundspeed, update ETAs and revise
his fuel management, so that the flight could be continued in safety.