A pilot knows the route through various methods, often relying on technology and pre-flight planning.
Pilots use several methods to determine their route, varying from traditional techniques to modern technology:
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GPS Navigation: Modern pilots often use GPS (Global Positioning System).
- According to references, pilots can simply "plug the destination into a GPS, which draws a line on a map, and they follow that line to their destination."
- This is a common and efficient method for navigation.
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Tablet/Phone Apps:
- If an aircraft doesn't have built-in GPS, pilots can use tablet or phone apps to achieve similar functionality, particularly under visual flight rules (VFR).
- These apps provide moving map displays and navigation guidance.
Essentially, pilots have several options for determining and following their route, depending on the aircraft's equipment and the flight conditions. The use of GPS and mobile apps has significantly simplified navigation, especially for visual flight rule flights.
