Why do pilots use codes?

Pilots use the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Phonetic Alphabet to communicate. Pilots never pronounce letters when they are transmitting to Air Traffic Control, and vice-versa. Instead, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a code word to represent the letter. It’s all about clear communications.

What does 660 mean to a pilot?

It then comes to light that “Hawaii 660” is the plane number of a flight that went down into the Pacific. It was an equipment problem that led to the plane going down.

How are flight waypoints named?

Waypoints are defined by geographic coordinates or their bearing and distance from a beacon, and by a name, which typically takes the form of a five-letter capitalized word—EVUKI, JETSA, SABER. The pilot’s map of the world, and the flight computers’ too, is atomized into these waypoints.

What is the difference between a fly over waypoint and a fly by waypoint?

A fly-by waypoint is one where the pilot is required to use turn anticipation to avoid overshoot of the next flight segment. A fly-over waypoint precludes any turn until the waypoint is overflown, and is followed by an intercept maneuver of the next flight segment.

What is a navigation fix?

Fixes are a necessary aspect of navigation by dead reckoning, which relies on estimates of speed and course. The fix confirms the actual position during a journey. A fix can introduce inaccuracies if the reference point is not correctly identified or is inaccurately measured.

What is a fix in aviation?

Fix. A geographical position determined by visual reference to the surface, by reference to one or more radio NAVAIDs, by celestial plotting, or by another navigational device. Note: Fix is a generic name for a geographical position and is referred to as a fix, waypoint, intersection, reporting point, etc.

How do pilots navigate through today’s Airspace System?

The method or system that a pilot uses for navigating through today’s airspace system will depend on the type of flight that will occur (VFR or IFR), which navigation systems are installed on the aircraft, and which navigation systems are available in a certain area.

How does the GPS system work on airplanes?

The GPS system uses triangulation to determine the aircraft’s exact position over the earth. To be accurate, a GPS system must have the ability to gather data from at least three satellites for 2-D positioning, and four satellites for 3-D positioning.

How do pilots navigate during visual meteorological conditions?

During visual meteorological conditions (VMC), a pilot might fly by using pilotage and dead reckoning alone, or they might use radio navigation or GPS navigation techniques. Basic navigation is taught in the early stages of flight training.

How is Navigation taught in flight training?

Basic navigation is taught in the early stages of flight training. In instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) or while flying IFR, a pilot will need to rely on cockpit instruments, such as a VOR or GPS system.