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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.
- SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information)An in-flight weather advisory for significant hazards that may affect all aircraft, such as severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence, dust storms, or volcanic ash. SIGMETs are checked with convective SIGMETs and G-AIRMETs when building a route weather picture.
- 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.