Plain English Meaning

Working out where you are by starting from a known point and tracking how fast you've been flying, in what direction, for how long, and how the wind has pushed you. It is navigation by calculation rather than by looking at landmarks or instruments tied to ground stations.

Full Definition

A method of navigation in which the pilot determines aircraft position by calculating from a known starting point using known true airspeed, true heading, wind direction and speed, and time elapsed. No external visual or electronic references to the ground are required once the calculations are set up.

Context Anchor

Seen in cross-country planning, navigation logs, -and--reckoning lessons, and as a backup when or other navigation references are unavailable or .