PLT001: Course Intercepts
What code PLT001 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Course Intercepts before your checkride.
Calculate a course intercept
What this means for your checkride
A course intercept is flying a heading that closes on a desired course or radial at a chosen angle, then rolling out on it. A larger intercept angle closes faster but risks overshooting; a smaller angle is gentler. You size the angle from how far off course you are.
Intercepting and tracking a course is basic navigation, so the FAA tests whether you can choose an intercept heading and know when to turn to roll out on course without overshooting.
Pilots use the same large intercept angle every time. Close to the course a big angle overshoots; the angle should shrink as the course-deviation needle centers.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.