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RNAV (Area Navigation)
A method of navigation that allows aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage of referenced navigation signals or within the limits of self-contained system capability (GPS). RNAV approaches are the most common GPS-based instrument approaches.
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Learn more in Instrument Rating→Related Terms
- Sectional ChartAn aeronautical chart used for VFR navigation that depicts topographic features, airspace boundaries, airports, navigation aids, and other information at a scale of 1:500,000. Sectional charts are updated every 56 days.
- Slip/SkidUncoordinated flight conditions. A slip occurs when the aircraft is banked too much for the rate of turn (ball deflected toward the turn). A skid occurs when there is too much rudder for the bank angle (ball deflected away from the turn). The inclinometer (ball) indicates coordination.
- Solo FlightA flight in which the student pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft. Before the first solo, the student must receive endorsements from their flight instructor certifying competence in the specific aircraft type and at the specific airport.
- StallAn aerodynamic condition where the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and can no longer produce sufficient lift to sustain flight. A stall can occur at any airspeed, in any attitude, and at any power setting — it is always caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack.