FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Navigation and Flight PlanningEasy
A pilot navigates a cross-country flight primarily by comparing checkpoints on a sectional chart with visual landmarks passing below the airplane, making only minor reference to computed headings and times. This method of navigation is best described as
- Adead reckoning
- Bradio navigation
- Cpilotage
- Darea navigation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. pilotage
Pilotage is navigation by visually referencing landmarks and comparing them to chart symbols, without heavy reliance on precomputed headings, times, or electronic aids.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dead reckoning relies on precomputed heading, time, and speed rather than visual landmarks.
- B. Radio navigation uses electronic signals such as VOR or NDB, not visual landmarks.
- D. Area navigation (RNAV) uses onboard computers and satellite or ground signals, not visual checkpoints.
Pilotage
Pilotage is the method of navigating by visually identifying landmarks and comparing them to a chart to determine position and progress.
- Relies on visual checkpoints, not computed data
- Often combined with dead reckoning for cross-country flights
- Effective in good visibility over familiar or well-charted terrain
Memory trick: Pilotage = 'Pilot looks Out the window'.