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Which navigation technique predicts position from planned flight factors?

Dead reckoning uses course, speed, time, and wind to estimate position.

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  1. Pilotage
  2. Dead reckoning ✔
  3. Runway spotting

Why: Dead reckoning systematically considers the factors that affect a flight. The pilot estimates where the aircraft should be after following a course for a certain time.

Huh, didn't know that: Checking the estimate against landmarks helps reveal drift or planning errors.

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Why did the navigator bring a clock? The route needed good timing!
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References

Answer: Dead reckoning. Dead reckoning systematically considers the factors that affect a flight. The pilot estimates where the aircraft should be after following a course for a certain time.

  1. Civil Air Patrol, Journey of Flight Teacher's Guide www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    Dead Reckoning involves the systematic consideration of all factors that will and could affect the flight.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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