Air navigation facts for kids
Air navigation is how pilots find their way when flying an aircraft. It helps them know exactly where they are. This is super important so they don't get lost. Getting lost could mean hitting a mountain or flying into a dangerous zone. Pilots also need to find a safe place to land.
There are two main ways pilots navigate. It depends on the weather. If the weather is good, pilots use maps and look outside. This is called VFR navigation (Visual Flight Rules). If the weather is bad and they can't see the ground, they use special tools. Or, an air traffic controller guides them. This is called IFR navigation (Instrument Flight Rules).
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When flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), pilots use a map and a compass. They look at the ground to find their way. Before flying, they pick out big, easy-to-see landmarks on their map. These could be large cities, big lakes, hills, rivers, or major roads.
While flying, they look for these chosen points. This helps them make sure they are going the right way. The weather must be clear enough for them to see the ground clearly. They cannot fly into clouds because they could get lost. Pilots also need to watch for other planes. They are responsible for keeping a safe distance from other aircraft. This is called "see and avoid."
When flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), pilots cannot fly just anywhere. They must follow specific routes in the sky. Their aircraft needs many special devices. These tools work with radio waves. Examples include the GPS or radar.
Air routes often go from one radio beacon to another. Pilots set their radio to the correct frequency of a beacon. This helps them find their direction and fly towards it. GPS helps them find their exact position. Each aircraft also has a radar transponder. This sends a special code to the air traffic controller's radar screen. Since the pilot cannot see outside, they must follow the controller's instructions. The controller makes sure aircraft do not crash into each other.
How does wind affect flying?
Wind can be a big challenge for air navigation. Imagine a pilot wants to fly exactly east. If the wind blows from the north, it will push the plane south. The aircraft will then fly towards the southeast. To fly truly east, the pilot must point the plane slightly northeast.
This is just one example. Wind can blow from any direction and at different speeds. Pilots must always watch the wind. They need to know how to adjust their flight path. This helps them stay on course.
Wind has a greater impact on slower planes. For example, a small training aircraft is very affected by wind. Its direction can change easily. But a large airliner flies much faster. For these big planes, wind has less effect during flight. It mainly matters during take-off and landing.
Images for kids
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A modern Boeing 737 Flight Management System (FMS) unit. It helps automate many navigation tasks.
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This picture shows an aircraft flying towards point B. It does this to make up for wind from the southwest and reach point C.
See also
In Spanish: Navegación aérea para niños
