Course Description

PPL Navigation Course (EASA) 🎯 Course Objective

The Navigation module of the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) aims to provide student pilots with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to plan and conduct a flight safely, in compliance with EASA Part-FCL requirements.

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

• Correctly read and interpret an aeronautical chart (VFR).

• Use standard navigation tools (plotter, ruler, E6B/CRP flight computer).

• Calculate true tracks (TRK), magnetic headings (HDG) and flight times.

• Take into account meteorological factors (winds aloft, drift, wind correction).

• Understand and apply Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and time conversions.

• Prepare and file a flight plan in accordance with regulations.

• Use radio navigation aids (VOR, DME, GPS) to support visual navigation.

• Conduct a VFR flight in compliance with EASA regulations and procedures.

📚 Course Content

1. Basic Principles of Air Navigation

   • The Earth, meridians, parallels, and geographical coordinates.

   • Map projections (Lambert, Mercator, etc.).

2. Aeronautical Charts

   • Reading and interpreting VFR charts.

   • Symbols, controlled airspace, restricted/prohibited zones.

3. Time and Speed

   • Conversion between UTC and local time.

   • True Airspeed (TAS), Ground Speed (GS).

   • Distance – time – speed calculations.

4. Wind and Drift

   • Drift and crosswind correction.

   • Use of the wind triangle (E6B/CRP flight computer).

5. Navigation Planning

   • Route selection and plotting.

   • Calculation of heading, flight time, and fuel consumption.

   • Flight plan preparation and filing.

6. Radio Navigation Aids and GPS

   • VOR, DME, ADF/NDB, GNSS (GPS).

   • Practical use in VFR navigation.

7. Regulations and Safety Procedures

   • Rules of the Air (SERA / EU 923/2012).

   • European airspace classification and structure.

   • Fuel management and emergency procedures.

⏱ Duration and Examination

• Theoretical instruction: approx. 30 hours (classroom or guided self-study).

• EASA PPL Exam: 20–25 multiple-choice questions on navigation (depending on authority).

• Practical training: navigation flight preparation exercises and supervised cross-country flights.