PA.VI.A — Pilotage and Dead Reckoning

What does ACS code PA.VI.A cover?

ACS Code PA.VI.A covers "Pilotage and Dead Reckoning" under Area of Operation VI (Navigation) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).

Task Specification & Required References

• ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area VI — Navigation
• Task: Task A — Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
• Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Airman Certification Standards Elements

Knowledge Elements

• PA.VI.A.K1: Pilotage and dead reckoning.
• PA.VI.A.K2: Magnetic compass errors.
• PA.VI.A.K3: Topography.
• PA.VI.A.K4: Selection of appropriate:
• PA.VI.A.K4a: a. Route
• PA.VI.A.K4b: b. Altitude(s)
• PA.VI.A.K4c: c. Checkpoints
• PA.VI.A.K5: Plotting a course, including:
• PA.VI.A.K5a: a. Determining heading, speed, and course
• PA.VI.A.K5b: b. Wind correction angle
• PA.VI.A.K5c: c. Estimating time, speed, and distance
• PA.VI.A.K5d: d. True airspeed and density altitude
• PA.VI.A.K6: Power setting selection.
• PA.VI.A.K7: Planned calculations versus actual results and required corrections.

Risk Management Elements

• PA.VI.A.R1: Collision hazards.
• PA.VI.A.R2: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PA.VI.A.R3: Unplanned fuel/power consumption, if applicable.

How do I study PA.VI.A?

1. Read each element for PA.VI.A in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged PA.VI.A, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: PA.V.B — Ground Reference Maneuvers
• Next task: PA.VI.B — Navigation Systems and Radar Services
• Same area: PA.VI.B — Navigation Systems and Radar Services
• Same area: PA.VI.C — Diversion
• Same area: PA.VI.D — Lost Procedures