PA.VI.B — Navigation Systems and Radar Services

What does ACS code PA.VI.B cover?

ACS Code PA.VI.B covers "Navigation Systems and Radar Services" 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 B — Navigation Systems and Radar Services
• 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.B.K1: Ground-based navigation (identification, orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, and signal integrity).
• PA.VI.B.K2: Satellite-based navigation (e.g., equipment, regulations, authorized use of databases, and Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)).
• PA.VI.B.K3: Radar assistance to visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft (e.g., operations, equipment, available services, traffic advisories).
• PA.VI.B.K4: Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

Risk Management Elements

• PA.VI.B.R1: Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
• PA.VI.B.R2: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PA.VI.B.R3: Limitations of the navigation system in use.
• PA.VI.B.R4: Loss of a navigation signal.
• PA.VI.B.R5: Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.

How do I study PA.VI.B?

1. Read each element for PA.VI.B 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.B, 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.VI.A — Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
• Next task: PA.VI.C — Diversion
• Same area: PA.VI.A — Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
• Same area: PA.VI.C — Diversion
• Same area: PA.VI.D — Lost Procedures