The Private Pilot/Commercial Pilot Series -

Volume 2, Navigation and Flight Planning

This manual has been written for persons intending to study for the Private Pilot Licence and for those who wish to advance further towards the Commercial Pilot Licence. Wherever text in the book applies only to CPL topics, a vertical line is drawn along the applicable paragraphs in the left or right margin.

Volume 2, Navigation and Flight Planning, takes the student through the basics of Navigation such as Form of the Earth, longitude and latitude, direction, time and many other fundamentals on which knowledge of the subject is based. Every topic is supported by clear diagrams which enhance understanding of the associated written explanations. For CPL students there are many pages devoted to advanced principles such as “Time and Arc” , Point of No return, and Cruise Performance. The last chapter deals with the principles and use of navigation aids such as the Automatic Direction Finder (ADF), VFR Omni Range (VOR) and similar aids.

Step by step explanations and elaborate diagrams of the navigation computer (circular slide rule) are contained in Chapter 7. The use of the navigation computer is a fundamental requirement in navigation; - the detailed explanations in this book provide the required expertise. The next chapter, Chapter 8, contains explanations on Navigation Procedures such as drift, tracks, headings, groundspeed and numerous other items that are part of navigating an aircraft safely from one place to another under visual conditions. Every aspect is backed up with examples which start with given factors and then take the reader carefully through the calculation process so as to arrive at the right answers.

Subsequent chapters deal with advanced topics such as navigating in reduced visibility, at low levels, and in mountainous terrain.

Chapters 9A (for the PPL) and 9B ( for the CPL) take the student through every aspect of flight planning, - from assessing meteorological data and selection of suitable tracks to the completion of an operational flight plan. Every aspect is explained using clear examples and explanations including the use of sections of aeronautical charts.

At the end of the book is an Appendix that contains two full Sample Examinations for the PPL followed by two similar examinations for the CPL.

Although Volume 2 is based on visual flight navigation in New Zealand, the abundance of explanations on principles makes the book totally suitable for students living outside New Zealand, see ???? for details regarding overseas purchases.