Plain English Meaning

Working out where you are right now by starting from a known spot and tracking the direction you flew, how fast, for how long, and what the wind was doing.

Full Definition

A method of navigation that determines an aircraft's current position by calculating from a known starting point using the aircraft's heading, true airspeed, ground speed, wind, and elapsed time, without reference to external landmarks or radio aids.

Context Anchor

Used in cross-country planning, in-flight position checks, and backup navigation when outside references or electronic navigation are .