SL Helicopter Flying Handbook/Navigation

SECTION 11. Navigation

1 Introduction

Air navigation is the process of piloting an airport from one location to a desired location without getting lost, violating airspace restrictions, or endangering the safety of those in the aircraft or on the ground. The specific methods use for navigation depend on many factors including the pilot's experience and familiarity with the route, and the types of navigation equipment available in the aircraft. Methods can include pilotage (navigation by reference to landmarks), dead reckoning (calculating a course based on compass headings and wind conditions), GPS-based navigation, and VOR-based navigation. In addition, some aircraft may be equipped with an autopilot that may or may not interface with the navigation equipment. It is the responsibility of the pilot to become familiar with the equipment available in the aircraft they are operating.

1.1 Pilotage and Dead Reckoning

1.1.1 Pilotage

Pilotage is the process of navigating by reference to fixed points on the ground, often in conjunction with an aeronautical chart or map.