DGCA Air Navigation Classes for CPL & ATPL
Charts, wind triangles, flight planning, radio aids and flight instruments, taught one-on-one by Nikunj Kariya until the calculations feel routine.
- Unlimited 1-on-1 sessions
- Weekly subject-wise tests
- First-attempt pass guarantee
How the Air Navigation class works
Air Navigation is the most calculation-heavy of the DGCA ground papers. Speed and accuracy come from understanding the geometry behind each formula, not from memorising worked answers, because the examiner can change every number.
In class every method is built from a diagram first: the wind triangle, the 1 in 60 rule, convergence on a chart, the critical point. You then practise it on the question bank until the steps are automatic.
Taught by Nikunj Kariya as part of the full TrueHeading course (₹50,000 for all five subjects, down from ₹80,000), with the student website for practice.
What the Air Navigation paper covers
14 topics, 1,532 practice questions. Tap a topic to practise it.
Key ideas to know
- 1 in 60 ruleAt 60 NM, 1 NM off track is 1° of error. Track error = off-track distance × 60 ÷ distance gone.
- DriftDrift ≈ 60 × crosswind ÷ TAS. Steer into the wind by the wind correction angle.
- ConvergenceConvergence = change of longitude × sin(mean latitude). Conversion angle is half of it.
- DescentA 3° path is about 318 ft per NM, and rate of descent ≈ groundspeed × 5.3 ft/min.
- Point of no returnTime to PNR = endurance × H ÷ (O + H), where O is outbound and H is homebound groundspeed.
- Variation and deviationFrom true to compass: variation and deviation west are added, east subtracted (TVMDC).
Common mistakes
- Mixing true and magnetic directions inside one calculation.
- Entering the wind as the direction it blows to instead of from.
- Using TAS where groundspeed belongs in point of no return and critical point problems.
- Unit slips: nautical miles and kilometres, kilograms and litres, UTC and local time.
Try it yourself
Free tools from the TrueHeading student website.
Wind correction calculator
Wind is given as the direction it blows from.
Top of descent calculator
How far out to start down on a 3° path.
See it move in a simulator:
Sample Air Navigation questions
Tap an answer.
How far does an aircraft with a ground speed of 480 kt travel in one minute?
A speed of 440 kt is equal to:
TAS 260 kt, true track 160°, wind 070°/35 kt. The ground speed is closest to:
After flying 100 nm an aircraft is 4 nm off the planned track. The track error is approximately:
Air Navigation classes: common questions
What does the DGCA Air Navigation paper cover?
It covers the Earth, convergence and departure, chart scale and map projections, compass and direction, units, the wind triangle and drift, the 1 in 60 rule, time, descent planning, critical point and point of no return, payload, fuel and weight and balance, the ICAO flight plan and aeroplane performance. TrueHeading teaches all of it.
Do I have to memorise formulas?
You need to know them, but the aim in class is to understand where each one comes from. That is what lets you recover when a question is worded differently.
How can I practise Air Navigation questions?
Students get a private practice site with 1,532 Air Navigation questions, worked explanations on many of them, weekly subject tests and interactive simulators such as the wind triangle and the VOR.
Who teaches Air Navigation at TrueHeading?
Nikunj Kariya teaches every subject personally, in 1-on-1 sessions that are unlimited for the length of the course.
Start Air Navigation with Nikunj
Personal sessions, weekly tests and lifetime access to the student website. First-attempt pass guarantee, or your money back.