Navigation and Charts Flashcards

What does 'dead reckoning' mean in navigation?

Answer: Calculating position based on known speed, heading, and time from a known starting point

Dead reckoning calculates current position by starting from a known point and applying heading, airspeed, and elapsed time with wind correction.

What is the magnetic course if the true course is 270° and the variation is 15° West?

Answer: 285°

West variation is added to true course (West is Best — add): 270° + 15° = 285° magnetic course.

On a sectional chart, what is indicated by a bold dashed blue line?

Answer: Class D airspace boundary

Class D airspace around towered airports is depicted by a dashed blue circle on sectional charts.

What is the purpose of isogonic lines on a sectional chart?

Answer: They connect points of equal magnetic variation

Isogonic lines connect points of equal magnetic variation, helping pilots correct from true to magnetic direction.

What is a pilotage technique in navigation?

Answer: Navigating by visual reference to landmarks on the ground

Pilotage is the technique of navigating by identifying ground features and comparing them to a chart.

What does the magenta flag symbol on a sectional chart indicate?

Answer: VFR checkpoint or reporting point

The magenta flag symbol marks a VFR checkpoint — a prominent landmark used as a reporting point when entering busy airspace.