Knee Deep in Navigation Study

We've had what Manny calls "a twelve month winter".  The weather has been unstable and quite unpredictable at times.  Generally it's been not great for flying.  I've also been busy with work (regional tours and the like) and on top of all of that, I've been fighting a pesky throat infection!  So, all in all not too much flying.

I have, however decided to jump in to my navigation studies.  The next step in my aviation adventure is to go beyond the 25NM circle around the aerodrome.  Don't get me wrong, it certainly has been fun checking out the local area, but I am really looking forward to the day where I can leave from here and land somewhere else.  In order to do that, I have to understand Route Planning, Weather, Airspace Legislation, Safety and many other things.


"But, I thought they use fancy electronic things like GPSs and the like?", I hear you say.  No, it's not that simple.  In order to develop a good knowledge base, one must learn the most basic form - like a photography student making their own pinhole camera.  In the case of aviation, the most simple form of navigation involves a map, a pencil, compass and a watch.  Pilots have been getting around all over the place with just these items for years.



I'm looking forward to actually going out and putting these theories to practice.  First, I need to pass a theory examination.  Back to the books!