General Navigation: 5 Latest ATPL Questions Explained
Join ATPL pilot Michal as he breaks down five of the latest General Navigation questions from the Airhead ATPL Question Bank — all recently reported from real EASA exams across multiple authorities.
This session focuses on Topic 06102: Visual Flight Rule (VFR) Navigation, helping you strengthen your practical understanding of map reading, visual references, and navigation decisions under real flying conditions.
If you’re preparing for your ATPL General Navigation exam, this walkthrough will help you link theory with real-world flying — and approach your test with more confidence.
🎥 Watch the full walkthrough:
VFR Navigation & Planning Topics
AIR-248782: Visual Approach Planning (Unfamiliar Aerodrome)
AIR-247993: VFR Checkpoints (1:500,000 Chart)
AIR-248185: Reorienting Lost Position (Visual Cues)
AIR-248153: VFR Flying Over Snow (Poor References)
AIR-248743: Determining Groundspeed (Using Charts/GSPRM)
Question 1: Visual Approach Planning (Unfamiliar Aerodrome)
Question ID AIR-248782 – What is a factor to consider when planning a visual approach to an unfamiliar aerodrome just after sunrise?
The location of the aerodrome reference point.
The position of the Sun.
The phase of the moon.
The duration of twilight.
Correct Answer: The position of the Sun.
Explanation: When flying just after sunrise or near sunset, the low sun angle can significantly reduce slant visibility, especially in hazy or foggy conditions.
If the runway direction faces the rising or setting sun (e.g., easterly in the morning), glare will make it harder to identify terrain and the runway environment. This is a practical visual navigation factor — and one that often appears in both General Navigation and Meteorology exams.
Question 2: VFR Checkpoints (1:500,000 Chart)
Question ID AIR-247993 – When flying a day VFR flight at low level, using checkpoints on a 1:500 000 map, the most suitable features are…
ones that are tall and prominent, such as towers.
small ones, such as an individual houses distributed over an area of farmland.
very large ones, such as an extensive wooded area.
minor roads in a built-up area.
Correct Answer: ones that are tall and prominent, such as towers.
Explanation: On a 1:500 000 VFR chart, the best checkpoints are prominent vertical features that stand out from the surrounding terrain. These include radio masts, towers, or large churches, which are clearly marked on aeronautical charts.
Smaller features like minor roads or wooded areas are unreliable since they can look similar and are hard to identify from the air. When in doubt, always choose “prominent” or “highly visible” features in exam questions — those are almost always correct.
Question 3: Reorienting Lost Position (Visual Cues)
Question ID AIR-248185 – When flying VFR by day in early summer over a part of central Europe, you have been busy looking at the scenery and NOT concentrating on where exactly you are. Which of the following features would be suitable for you to set your heading towards, when unsure of your position?
A motorway
A junction of two small roads
A railway
A river
A coastline
A fruit farm
Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4, and 5 — a motorway, a railway, a river, or a coastline.
Explanation: When you’re uncertain of your position, always navigate towards large, continuous, and easily recognizable landmarks.
Coastlines, rivers, railways, and motorways are ideal — they are clearly marked on charts and easy to identify visually.
By contrast, farmlands, and small road junctions are poor checkpoints, as they look repetitive and can easily lead to confusion. In ATPL exams, these features are often included as distractors, so it’s best to avoid them.
Question 4: VFR Flying Over Snow (Poor References)
Question ID AIR-248153 – An aircraft is flying a VFR flight at a low level over a snowy area with no visual checkpoints. What action by the pilot is recommended?
Climb and initiate lost procedure.
Climb to avoid blowing snow.
Proceed and turn at the next checkpoint based on time.
Turn back 180 degrees.
Correct Answer: Proceed and turn at the next checkpoint based on time.
Explanation: When there are no visible landmarks — such as over snow-covered terrain — a pilot should rely on dead reckoning (DR). This method uses pre-calculated headings, time, and groundspeed to estimate position.
If uncertainty arises, remember the Five Cs rule: Circle, Confess, Climb, Conserve, Communicate.
However, as long as you’ve cross-checked your navigation log and pre-flight planning, continuing with DR navigation is perfectly safe and accurate.
Question 5: Determining Groundspeed (Using Charts/GSPRM)
Question ID AIR-248743 – For this question, please use the attached Annex or ED-4 from the GSPRM 2017. A pilot is planning a VFR flight from aerodrome Arnbruck (EDNB) (N49°08', E012°59') to aerodrome Hohenfels (ETIH) (N49°13', E011°50'), departing at midday. What option describes the best means of checking the groundspeed?
Passing abeam (opposite) the lighted mast at N49° 03’, E012° 10.
Passing abeam Griesau aerodrome (EDPG) N48° 57’, E012° 25".
The parallel river running through the town of nittenau (N49° 12’, E012° 18").
The road A93, which crosses the track.
Correct Answer: The road A93, which crosses the track.
Explanation: When checking groundspeed, the most reliable reference is a distinct landmark that crosses your track at a right angle. This allows you to time the interval between two points and accurately calculate speed over the ground.
In this scenario, a major highway (A93) that intersects the planned route perpendicularly is ideal. Other distant features (like masts or airfields) are less useful, as they don’t provide an accurate time reference when crossing your path.
Visual navigation under VFR relies on your ability to interpret charts, identify terrain features, and apply basic navigation techniques like dead reckoning and time–distance calculations. These exam questions reflect real flying situations, so understanding the reasoning behind each answer is key.
General Navigation Exam Overview
If you need a quick refresher, we’ve added an ATPL General Navigation Exam Overview at the end of this walkthrough. It gives you a concise snapshot of what to expect on the day — including the number of questions, exam duration, difficulty level, and key study tips to help you prepare more efficiently. Ideal for anyone currently revising or getting ready to sit General Navigation soon.
Number of Questions: 55
Exam Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
70% of papers passed
General Navigation covers the core navigation principles and techniques required for flight. You’ll work with charts, plotting, great-circle theory, speed, height, temperature, and more. Many of the concepts feel challenging at first, but the questions tend to follow recognisable patterns — and the key to mastering them is consistent practice.
Your early attempts may feel slow and frustrating, but both speed and accuracy improve quickly with repetition. Aim to score 90–95% in Airhead ATPL Question Bank practice exams, as real exam conditions typically reduce performance by around 10–15%. If you’re hitting 95% in practice, you’re in a strong position to achieve 80–85% in the actual exam. Keep going — the progress is worth it.
Explore key subtopics & core concepts of the General Navigation Syllabus
