Navigation, Charts and Flight Planning

Sectional charts

VFR sectional charts show terrain, obstacles, airspace, navaids and airports. Maximum elevation figures (MEF) provide clearance over terrain and obstacles in each quadrangle. Check chart edition and effective dates before every flight.

Magnetic variation and compass errors

True course plus variation equals magnetic course; magnetic course plus deviation equals compass heading. Variation is easterly or westerly depending on location. Deviation is aircraft-specific and recorded on the compass correction card.

Pilotage and dead reckoning

Pilotage uses visual landmarks against the chart. Dead reckoning computes position from heading, time and groundspeed. Wind correction angle adjusts heading so track over the ground matches the planned course.

Radio navigation

• VOR radials are magnetic bearings FROM the station.
• DME gives slant range; use minimum reception altitude where published.
• GPS RNAV is primary for many VFR operations; always carry current charts as backup.

VFR flight planning

Select altitude for hemispherical rule (odd/east, even/west plus 500 ft in the US below FL180). File a VFR flight plan for search-and-rescue; open it with FSS or via electronic means. Calculate fuel including reserve per 14 CFR 91.151 (day VFR: 30 min reserve at normal cruise).