Navigation

This is especially true in the case of hand-held receivers. The Another way to minimize head-down time is to become very use of hand-held receivers for VFR operations is a growing familiar with the receiver’s operation. Most receivers are not trend, especially among rental pilots. Typically, suction cups intuitive. The pilot must take the time to learn the various are used to place the GPS antennas on the inside of aircraft keystrokes, knob functions, and displays that are used in windows. While this method has great utility, the antenna the operation of the receiver. Some manufacturers provide location is limited by aircraft structure for optimal reception computer-based tutorials or simulations of their receivers. of available satellites. Consequently, signal loss may occur Take the time to learn about the particular unit before using in certain situations where aircraft-satellite geometry causes it in flight. a loss of navigation signal. These losses, coupled with a lack of RAIM capability, could present erroneous position and In summary, be careful not to rely on GPS to solve all VFR navigation information with no warning to the pilot. navigational problems. Unless an IFR receiver is installed in accordance with IFR requirements, no standard of accuracy While the use of hand-held GPS receivers for VFR operations or integrity can be assured. While the practicality of GPS is is not limited by regulation, modification of the aircraft, such compelling, the fact remains that only the pilot can navigate the as installing a panel- or yoke-mounted holder, is governed by aircraft, and GPS is just one of the pilot’s tools to do the job. 14 CFR part 43. Pilots should consult a mechanic to ensure compliance with the regulation and a safe installation. VFR Waypoints VFR waypoints provide VFR pilots with a supplementary Tips for Using GPS for VFR Operations tool to assist with position awareness while navigating Always check to see if the unit has RAIM capability. If no visually in aircraft equipped with area navigation receivers. RAIM capability exists, be suspicious of a GPS displayed VFR waypoints should be used as a tool to supplement current position when any disagreement exists with the position navigation procedures. The use of VFR waypoints include derived from other radio navigation systems, pilotage, or providing navigational aids for pilots unfamiliar with an area, dead reckoning. waypoint definition of existing reporting points, enhanced navigation in and around Class B and Class C airspace, and Check the currency of the database, if any. If expired, update enhanced navigation around Special Use Airspace. VFR the database using the current revision. If an update of an pilots should rely on appropriate and current aeronautical expired database is not possible, disregard any moving map charts published specifically for visual navigation. If display of airspace for critical navigation decisions. Be aware operating in a terminal area, pilots should take advantage of that named waypoints may no longer exist or may have been the Terminal Area Chart available for the area, if published. relocated since the database expired. At a minimum, the The use of VFR waypoints does not relieve the pilot of any waypoints to be used should be verified against a current responsibility to comply with the operational requirements official source, such as the Chart Supplement U.S. or a of 14 CFR part 91. Sectional Aeronautical Chart. VFR waypoint names (for computer entry and flight plans) While a hand-held GPS receiver can provide excellent consist of five letters beginning with the letters “VP” and are navigation capability to VFR pilots, be prepared for retrievable from navigation databases. The VFR waypoint intermittent loss of navigation signal, possibly with no RAIM names are not intended to be pronounceable, and they are not warning to the pilot. If mounting the receiver in the aircraft, for use in ATC communications. On VFR charts, a stand- be sure to comply with 14 CFR part 43. alone VFR waypoint is portrayed using the same four-point star symbol used for IFR waypoints. VFR waypoint collocated Plan flights carefully before taking off. If navigating to user- with a visual checkpoint on the chart is identified by a small defined waypoints, enter them prior to flight, not on the fly. magenta flag symbol. A VFR waypoint collocated with a Verify the planned flight against a current source, such as a visual checkpoint is pronounceable based on the name of the current sectional chart. There have been cases in which one visual checkpoint and may be used for ATC communications. pilot used waypoints created by another pilot that were not Each VFR waypoint name appears in parentheses adjacent where the pilot flying was expecting. This generally resulted to the geographic location on the chart. Latitude/longitude in a navigation error. Minimize head-down time in the aircraft data for all established VFR waypoints may be found in the and maintain a sharp lookout for traffic, terrain, and obstacles. appropriate regional Chart Supplement U.S. Just a few minutes of preparation and planning on the ground makes a great difference in the air. 16-33