How Do Pilots Know Where to Go?

Throughout flight school, both in ground school and during flight training, student pilots become well-versed in the instruments and logistics behind flight navigation. There are several methods and instruments pilots use beyond looking out of the flight deck’s window. If you are interested in becoming a pilot, this can serve as an introductory guide into how flight school prepares all pilots to navigate confidently and safely.

Pilotage

Pilotage uses visual and physical cues to navigate an aircraft. Pilots are able to fly by noting physical landmarks and checkpoints visually. Noting these landmarks or visual checkpoints can help them avoid veering off course. When using pilotage, pilots typically note more than one landmark or checkpoint. This can include rivers, roads, airport towers, mountains, or cities. 

Pilots typically used pilotage in conjunction with visual flight rules (VFR) radio communication and dead reckoning. In ground school, student pilots learn pilotage in Chapter 16 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.

Dead Reckoning

Dead reckoning (DR) allows pilots to navigate by calculating position, groundspeed, heading, and elapsed time from a previous position. DR is not often used by modern-day airline pilots, but it is taught to pilots regardless during flight school, as the method could still be used depending on the situation, such as in the event of failed flight management systems. 

Since pilots need to have a strong understanding of their surroundings when using dead reckoning, pilotage also comes into play. There are several tools and instruments available to pilots within their flight deck that they can use for dead reckoning. This includes GPS, aeronautical charts, and compasses.

ATC-Pilot Radio Communications

Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is essential for pilots knowing where to go safely, especially near busier airspaces. ATC provides critical flight routing assistance based on weather and nearby aircraft. If a pilot’s equipment is malfunctioning, ATC can help pilots know where to go and provide Navigational Aid (NAVAID). 

During flight training and ground school, student pilots learn to communicate with ATC confidently. Strong communication with ATC ensures the safety of both the pilot’s aircraft and other aircraft in the skies. The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) provides pilots with information on how to communicate properly with ATC, including common radio phraseology and how to check the radio frequency.

VORs

VORs are ground-based radio navigation systems that help pilots navigate using their navigational chart. Pilots tune into the radio station’s frequency 108.0 to 117.95 MHz to use the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) to stay on course. 

VOR stands for Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range. The FAA maintains the VOR Minimal Operational Network (MON) to backup GPS that pilots use with additional en-route and approach navigation.

GPS

Especially in modern-day aviation, commercial airline pilots use GPS often to know where to go. Aviation-specific GPS are designed to measure distance, recognize terrain to avoid, and include built-in aeronautical databases that do not rely on cellular networks in the way that GPS on smartphones do. 

At Superior Flight School, GPS is integrated into the Garmin g1000 glass cockpit used in our Cessna 172s. This allows students to learn how to use GPS to navigate both in the air during the flight training and on the ground during ground school. Hands-on training prepares them to navigate using GPS when they complete flight training and work for an airline.

Learn How to Navigate with Hands-On Flight Training

Part 141, Part 61, and accelerated flight training programs at Superior Flight School all ensure that students are well-versed in the knowledge and instruments they need to know where to go once in the air. If you are ready to learn how to fly with confidence, contact us today to get started on our flight training.

Interested in learning more information in regards to Superior Flight School and their flight training programs? Contact admin@superiorflight.com for more information.