PLT279: Inertial Navigation System
What code PLT279 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Inertial Navigation System before your checkride.
Recall Inertial/Doppler Navigation System principles / regulations / requirements / limitations
What this means for your checkride
An inertial navigation system determines position by continuously measuring acceleration with accelerometers and integrating it over time, without relying on external signals. Because it is self contained, it can drift and accumulate error over long periods of flight. Modern units may use a ring laser gyro to sense rotation.
Pilots must understand the self contained nature and drift limitations of inertial systems used in long range navigation.
Students assume an inertial system stays perfectly accurate, but without an external update its position error grows over time.
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.