Navigation
Duration (hours)
| Trainees without previous aviation experience | 24 |
| Trainees with previous aviation experience | 12 |
1. Position and distance; time
2. True, magnetic and compass direction; gyro heading reference and grid direction
3. Introduction to chart projections: The gnomonic projection; the Mercator projection; great circles on Mercator charts; other cylindrical projections; Lambert conformal conic projection; the polar stereographic projection
4. ICAO chart requirements
5. Charts used by a typical operator
6. Measurement of airspeeds; track and ground speed
7. Use of slide-rules, computers and scientific calculators
8. Measurement of aircraft altitude
9. Point of no return; critical point; general determination of aircraft position
10. Introduction to radio navigation; ground-based radar and direction-finding stations; relative bearings; VOR/DME- type radio navigation; instrument landing systems
11. Navigation procedures
12. ICAO CNS/ATM systems (an overview)
Navigation provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles, tools, and procedures that enable accurate and safe aircraft navigation. The course begins with the fundamentals of determining position, distance, and time, establishing the core measurements that underpin all navigational tasks. Learners then explore the various systems of direction—true, magnetic, compass, gyro‑referenced, and grid—gaining an understanding of how each reference is used in different operational contexts.
A major component of the course introduces students to chart projections. This includes the gnomonic and Mercator projections, the representation of great‑circle routes on Mercator charts, and other cylindrical projections. The curriculum also covers the Lambert conformal conic and polar stereographic projections, highlighting how each projection supports specific types of navigation. Students examine ICAO chart requirements and review the charts typically used by commercial operators, building familiarity with the visual tools essential for flight planning and in‑flight navigation.
The course continues with the measurement of airspeeds, track, and ground speed, along with practical training in the use of slide‑rules, flight computers, and scientific calculators. Learners study methods for measuring aircraft altitude and apply performance‑based concepts such as the point of no return, the critical point, and general techniques for determining aircraft position.
An introduction to radio navigation follows, covering ground‑based radar, direction‑finding stations, relative bearings, VOR/DME systems, and instrument landing systems. Students also gain insight into standard navigation procedures and conclude with an overview of ICAO’s CNS/ATM systems, which integrate communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management into a modern global framework.