Commercial Pilot for Airplane CategoryFAA-S-ACS-7B
Area of Operation VI
Navigation
4 Tasks
Task A Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with pilotage and dead reckoning.
Knowledge
Pilotage and dead reckoning.
Magnetic compass errors.
Topography.
Selection of appropriate:
a. Route
b. Altitude(s)
c. Checkpoints
Plotting a course, including:
a. Determining heading, speed, and course
b. Wind correction angle
c. Estimating time, speed, and distance
d. True airspeed and density altitude
Power setting selection.
Planned calculations versus actual results and required corrections.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Unplanned fuel/power consumption, if applicable.
Skills
Prepare and use a flight log.
Navigate by pilotage.
Navigate by means of pre-computed headings, groundspeeds, elapsed time, and reference to landmarks or checkpoints.
Use the magnetic direction indicator in navigation, including turns to headings.
Verify position within two nautical miles of the flight-planned route.
Arrive at the en route checkpoints within three minutes of the initial or revised estimated time of arrival (ETA) and provide a destination estimate.
Maintain the selected altitude, ±100 feet and heading, ±10°.
Task B Navigation Systems and Radar Services
References
AC 91-78; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with navigation systems and radar services.
Note
The evaluator should reference the manufacturer’s equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc.
Knowledge
Ground-based navigation (identification, orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, and signal integrity).
Satellite-based navigation (e.g., equipment, regulations, authorized use of databases, and Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)).
Radar assistance to visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft (e.g., operations, equipment, available services, traffic advisories).
Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
Risk Management
Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Limitations of the navigation system in use.
Loss of a navigation signal.
Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
Skills
Use an airborne electronic navigation system.
Determine the airplane’s position using the navigation system.
Intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing.
Recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage.
Recognize signal loss or interference and take appropriate action, if applicable.
Use proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services.
Maintain the appropriate altitude, ±100 feet and heading, ±10°.
Task C Diversion
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with diversion.
Knowledge
Selecting an alternate destination.
Situations that require deviations from flight plan or air traffic control (ATC) instructions.
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Circumstances that would make diversion prudent.
Selecting an appropriate airport or seaplane base.
Using available resources (e.g., automation, ATC, and flight deck planning aids).
Skills
Select a suitable destination and route for diversion.
Make a reasonable estimate of heading, groundspeed, arrival time, and fuel required to the “divert to” destination.
Maintain the appropriate altitude, ±100 feet and heading, ±10°.
Update/interpret weather in flight.
Use displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, as applicable to maintain situational awareness.
Promptly divert toward the destination.
Task D Lost Procedures
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lost procedures and can take appropriate steps to achieve a satisfactory outcome if lost.
Knowledge
Methods to determine position.
Assistance available if lost (e.g., radar services, communication procedures).
Risk Management
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Recording times over waypoints.
When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
Skills
Use an appropriate method to determine position.
Maintain an appropriate heading and climb as necessary.
Identify prominent landmarks.
Use navigation systems/facilities or contact an ATC facility for assistance.
Select an appropriate course of action.