DGCA Air Navigation Trial Exam
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Total Questions: 100
Section 1: The Solar System & The Earth
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The Earth’s solar day is approximately 4 minutes longer than the Sidereal day because:
A) The Earth’s rotation is slowing down.
B) The Earth moves along its orbit while rotating on its axis.
C) The Earth’s axis is tilted at $23.5^{\circ}$.
D) The Sun’s diameter is larger than the Earth’s.
-
What is the approximate value of the Earth’s compression (oblate spheroid shape)?
A) 1/297
B) 1/300
C) 1/80
D) 1/12
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Aphelion occurs when the Earth is:
A) Closest to the sun.
B) Farthest from the sun.
C) At the equinox.
D) At the solstice.
-
The Sun moves across the celestial sphere at a rate of:
A) $15^{\circ}$ per hour.
B) $1^{\circ}$ per hour.
C) $360^{\circ}$ per hour.
D) $15^{\prime}$ per hour.
-
Perihelion occurs in:
A) July.
B) January.
C) March.
D) September.
-
The Earth rotates from:
A) East to West.
B) West to East.
C) North to South.
D) South to North.
-
Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs around:
A) June 21.
B) September 23.
C) December 21.
D) March 21.
-
The point directly above the observer on the celestial sphere is the:
A) Nadir.
B) Zenith.
C) Equinox.
D) Solstice.
-
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is:
A) A perfect circle.
B) An ellipse.
C) A parabola.
D) A hyperbola.
-
The sun is at the Zenith at the Equator during:
A) Solstices.
B) Equinoxes.
C) Every day.
D) Never.
Section 2: Projections & Convergency
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On a Mercator projection, a straight line represents a:
A) Great Circle.
B) Rhumb Line.
C) Small Circle.
D) Orthodrome.
-
Earth Convergency is calculated using the formula:
A) $Ch. Long \times \sin(Mean\ Lat)$
B) $Ch. Long \times \cos(Mean\ Lat)$
C) $Ch. Lat \times \sin(Mean\ Long)$
D) $Ch. Long$
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On a Lambert’s Conformal Conic projection, the scale is correct at:
A) The parallel of origin.
B) The standard parallels.
C) The pole.
D) The equator.
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Polar Stereographic projections are most commonly used for navigation in:
A) Equatorial regions.
B) Mid-latitudes.
C) Polar regions.
D) Trans-oceanic flights only.
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Convergency is zero at:
A) The Poles.
B) The Equator.
C) All latitudes.
D) The Prime Meridian only.
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The scale on a Mercator chart increases as:
A) Latitude increases.
B) Longitude increases.
C) Latitude decreases.
D) One moves toward the equator.
-
A “Large Scale” map shows:
A) A large area with little detail.
B) A small area with much detail.
C) The whole world.
D) Only oceans.
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The “Standard Parallel” in a Conic projection is where:
A) The cone is tangent to the sphere.
B) Distortion is maximum.
C) The Equator lies.
D) The Prime Meridian lies.
-
On a Mercator chart, the Great Circle track is:
A) A straight line.
B) Curved toward the Equator.
C) Curved toward the Pole.
D) Not representable.
-
A Great Circle track on a Polar Stereographic chart is:
A) A straight line.
B) Nearly a straight line.
C) A circle centered on the pole.
D) A spiral.
Section 3: Time
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If it is 1200 UTC, what is the Local Mean Time (LMT) at longitude $075^{\circ} E$?
A) 0700 LMT
B) 1700 LMT
C) 1500 LMT
D) 0900 LMT
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Standard Time is usually based on:
A) LMT of the central meridian of the country.
B) LMT of the observer.
C) Apparent Solar Time.
D) UTC always.
-
To convert UTC to IST (Indian Standard Time), you add:
A) 5 hours.
B) 5 hours 30 minutes.
C) 6 hours.
D) 4 hours 30 minutes.
-
The “Equation of Time” is the difference between:
A) UTC and LMT.
B) Apparent Solar Time and Mean Solar Time.
C) Standard Time and UTC.
D) Summer and Winter time.
-
How many time zones is the world divided into?
A) 12.
B) 24.
C) 36.
D) 60.
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International Date Line is approximately at:
A) $0^{\circ}$ Longitude.
B) $180^{\circ}$ Longitude.
C) $90^{\circ} E$ Longitude.
D) $90^{\circ} W$ Longitude.
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When flying from East to West, the Local Mean Time will:
A) Become later.
B) Become earlier.
C) Stay the same.
D) Be ahead of UTC.
-
If it is 10:00 AM at $0^{\circ}$ Longitude, what time is it at $15^{\circ} W$?
A) 11:00 AM.
B) 09:00 AM.
C) 10:00 AM.
D) 12:00 PM.
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One hour of time is equivalent to how many degrees of longitude?
A) $1^{\circ}$.
B) $15^{\circ}$.
C) $30^{\circ}$.
D) $4^{\circ}$.
-
LMT is the same for all observers on the same:
A) Parallel of Latitude.
B) Meridian of Longitude.
C) Great Circle.
D) Rhumb Line.
Section 4: Compass, Direction & Magnetism
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Compass Deviation is the angular difference between:
A) True North and Magnetic North.
B) Magnetic North and Compass North.
C) True North and Compass North.
D) Grid North and Magnetic North.
-
The angle between the horizontal and vertical components of the Earth’s magnetic field is:
A) Variation.
B) Deviation.
C) Dip.
D) Isogonic line.
-
An Isogonal is a line joining places of:
A) Zero magnetic variation.
B) Equal magnetic variation.
C) Equal magnetic dip.
D) Zero magnetic dip.
-
The vertical component of the Earth’s magnetic field is zero at:
A) The Magnetic Poles.
B) The Magnetic Equator.
C) The Geographic Poles.
D) The Geographic Equator.
-
The “A” coefficient of deviation is caused by:
A) Vertical soft iron.
B) Horizontal soft iron.
C) Misalignment of the compass.
D) Permanent magnetism.
-
Direct reading magnetic compasses are affected by “liquid swirl” during:
A) Straight and level flight.
B) Turns.
C) Acceleration.
D) Descent.
-
Acceleration error in a compass is maximum on headings:
A) North and South.
B) East and West.
C) $045^{\circ}$ and $225^{\circ}$.
D) $135^{\circ}$ and $315^{\circ}$.
-
Magnetic Variation is $10^{\circ} E$ and Compass Deviation is $2^{\circ} W$. If Compass Heading is $350^{\circ}$, True Heading is:
A) $358^{\circ}$.
B) $002^{\circ}$.
C) $342^{\circ}$.
D) $338^{\circ}$.
-
Magnetic Dip is $90^{\circ}$ at:
A) The Equator.
B) The Magnetic Poles.
C) The Prime Meridian.
D) $45^{\circ}$ Latitude.
-
Soft iron magnetism is:
A) Permanent.
B) Temporary and induced by the Earth’s field.
C) Found only in the engines.
D) Never a factor in navigation.
-
If the True Heading is $180^{\circ}$ and Variation is $10^{\circ} E$, the Magnetic Heading is:
A) $190^{\circ}$.
B) $170^{\circ}$.
C) $180^{\circ}$.
D) $160^{\circ}$.
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A line of constant magnetic variation is an:
A) Isogonal.
B) Isocline.
C) Isobar.
D) Isotherm.
-
The “B” coefficient of deviation is related to:
A) Fore-and-aft permanent magnetism.
B) Athwartship permanent magnetism.
C) Compass mounting error.
D) Vertical magnetism.
-
Variation changes over time due to:
A) Aircraft movement.
B) Movement of the Magnetic Poles (Secular Change).
C) Changes in altitude.
D) Solar flares only.
-
“Deviation” is caused by:
A) Earth’s magnetic field.
B) Magnetic fields within the aircraft.
C) Solar activity.
D) Ionospheric interference.
-
Agonic lines are lines of:
A) Maximum variation.
B) Zero variation.
C) Equal deviation.
D) Equal dip.
-
Turning error in a compass is maximum on headings:
A) East and West.
B) North and South.
C) $045^{\circ}$.
D) $180^{\circ}$ only.
-
In the Northern Hemisphere, acceleration on an Easterly heading causes the compass to show:
A) A turn to the North.
B) A turn to the South.
C) No change.
D) An increase in airspeed.
-
The compass needle is kept horizontal by:
A) Gravity.
B) Small weights (balancing).
C) The pilot.
D) Magnetic Dip.
-
On a South heading in the Northern Hemisphere, a deceleration causes:
A) An apparent turn to the North.
/ B) An apparent turn to the South.
C) No error.
D) Liquid swirl.
Section 5: Distance & Earth Surface
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One minute of arc along a Great Circle on the Earth’s surface is equal to:
A) 1 Statute Mile.
B) 1 Nautical Mile.
C) 1 Kilometer.
D) 6080 Meters.
-
The distance between two parallels of latitude 1 degree apart is:
A) Always 60 NM.
B) Always 60 SM.
C) Varies significantly from equator to pole.
D) Exactly 111 NM.
-
Departure is defined as:
A) The change in latitude in NM.
B) The distance along a parallel of latitude between two meridians.
C) The distance along a meridian.
D) The takeoff phase of flight.
-
If an aircraft moves 1 degree of longitude at the Equator, the distance is:
A) 60 NM.
B) 0 NM.
C) 30 NM.
D) 111 NM.
-
A “Small Circle” is:
A) Any circle on the earth’s surface whose center is not the center of the earth.
B) The Equator.
C) Any Meridian.
D) A Great Circle.
-
1 Degree of Latitude equals:
A) 60 NM.
B) 1 NM.
C) 360 NM.
D) 10 NM.
-
The Great Circle track from A ($45^{\circ}N\ 010^{\circ}W$) to B ($45^{\circ}N\ 030^{\circ}W$) is:
A) Exactly $270^{\circ}$.
B) Less than $270^{\circ}$.
C) Greater than $270^{\circ}$ initially.
D) $090^{\circ}$.
-
Parallels of Latitude are:
A) Great Circles.
B) Small Circles (except the Equator).
C) Lines of constant longitude.
D) Convergent at the poles.
-
What is the Departure between Long $010^{\circ} E$ and $020^{\circ} E$ at Latitude $60^{\circ} N$?
A) 600 NM
B) 300 NM
C) 520 NM
D) 100 NM
-
The Prime Meridian passes through:
A) Paris.
B) New York.
C) Greenwich.
D) Tokyo.
Section 6: Dead Reckoning & Flight Navigation
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Dead Reckoning (DR) involves finding a position using:
A) Visual landmarks only.
B) Radio navigation aids only.
C) Estimated speed, time, and direction from a known point.
D) Satellite GPS coordinates.
-
The “1 in 60 rule” states that 1 degree of track error results in a displacement of:
A) 1 NM after 60 NM.
B) 60 NM after 1 NM.
C) 1 NM after 100 NM.
D) 6 NM after 60 NM.
-
Distance = Speed $\times$ Time. If Ground Speed is 180 kts, distance covered in 20 minutes is:
A) 60 NM.
B) 36 NM.
C) 90 NM.
D) 20 NM.
-
An aircraft’s TAS is 200 kts, Wind is 50 kts tailwind. The Ground Speed is:
A) 150 kts.
B) 250 kts.
C) 200 kts.
D) 205 kts.
-
To find Drift, you need to know:
A) TAS and GS.
B) Heading and Track.
C) Latitude and Longitude.
D) Altitude and Temperature.
-
Fuel flow is 40 gallons/hour. Endurance is 4 hours. Total fuel needed (no reserves) is:
A) 10 gallons.
B) 160 gallons.
C) 80 gallons.
D) 120 gallons.
-
A “Dead Reckoning” position is indicated on a chart by:
A) A circle.
B) A triangle.
C) A plus sign within a triangle.
D) A small dot.
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Track is $045^{\circ}$, Drift is $5^{\circ}$ Left. What is the Heading?
A) $040^{\circ}$.
B) $050^{\circ}$.
C) $045^{\circ}$.
D) $055^{\circ}$.
-
If Groundspeed is 240 kts, how long does it take to fly 40 NM?
A) 10 minutes.
B) 6 minutes.
C) 15 minutes.
D) 20 minutes.
-
“Track Made Good” (TMG) is:
A) The intended path.
B) The actual path traveled over the ground.
C) The direction the nose is pointing.
D) The wind direction.
Section 7: CP and PNR
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The Point of Safe Return (PNR) is the point from which an aircraft can return with:
A) Minimum fuel required.
B) Only reserve fuel remaining.
C) Safe fuel endurance remaining.
D) Zero fuel remaining.
-
The formula for Time to Critical Point (CP) is:
A) $(D \times H) / (O + H)$
B) $(D \times O) / (O + H)$
C) $(E \times H) / (O + H)$
D) $(E \times O) / (O + H)$
-
The Critical Point (CP) between two bases is shifted:
A) Into the wind.
B) Away from the wind.
C) Toward the destination in a headwind.
D) Is not affected by wind.
-
Critical Point is also known as:
A) Point of No Return.
B) Equi-time Point (ETP).
C) Waypoint.
D) Top of Descent.
-
The Critical Point is closer to the departure point if there is a:
A) Headwind.
B) Tailwind.
C) Crosswind.
D) No wind.
-
PNR stands for:
A) Pilot Navigation Route.
B) Point of No Return.
C) Primary Navigation Radio.
D) Pressure Navigation Rate.
-
If Groundspeed Out is 150 kts and Groundspeed Home is 100 kts, and Distance is 300 NM, the Time to CP is:
A) 1.2 hours.
B) 2.0 hours.
C) 1.5 hours.
D) 1.8 hours.
-
If endurance is 5 hours, GS Out is 200 kts and GS Home is 250 kts, the Time to PNR is:
A) 2.22 hours.
B) 2.77 hours.
C) 3.00 hours.
D) 2.50 hours.
-
Distance to PNR formula is:
A) $(E \times O \times H) / (O + H)$
B) $(E \times O) / (O + H)$
C) $(D \times H) / (O + H)$
D) $Endurance \times TAS$
-
In a “No Wind” condition, the CP is:
A) At the midpoint.
B) Closer to departure.
C) Closer to destination.
D) At the PNR.
Section 8: Temperature, Pressure & Measurement
-
In a Mercury Barometer, if the temperature increases, the reading will:
A) Increase due to expansion of mercury.
B) Decrease due to expansion of mercury.
C) Remain unaffected.
D) Increase only if pressure also increases.
-
What instrument is used to measure humidity?
A) Barometer.
B) Anemometer.
C) Hygrometer.
D) Altimeter.
-
ISA (International Standard Atmosphere) temperature at Sea Level is:
A) $0^{\circ} C$.
B) $15^{\circ} C$.
C) $10^{\circ} C$.
D) $20^{\circ} C$.
-
A pressure of 1013.25 hPa is equivalent to:
A) 29.92 inches of Mercury.
B) 30.00 inches of Mercury.
C) 28.00 inches of Mercury.
D) 31.00 inches of Mercury.
-
Anemometer measures:
A) Pressure.
B) Wind Speed.
C) Temperature.
D) Humidity.
-
The temperature at which air must be cooled to become saturated is:
A) Absolute Zero.
B) Freezing Point.
C) Dew Point.
D) Wet bulb temperature.
-
The Tropopause is higher at:
A) The Poles.
B) The Equator.
C) Mid-latitudes.
D) It is constant everywhere.
-
Pressure decreases with altitude at a rate of approximately:
A) 1 hPa per 30 feet.
B) 1 hPa per 100 feet.
C) 10 hPa per 1000 feet.
D) 1 hPa per 10 feet.
-
100 meters is approximately:
A) 328 feet.
B) 393 feet.
C) 100 feet.
D) 500 feet.
-
Water freezes at what temperature in Fahrenheit?
A) $0^{\circ} F$.
B) $32^{\circ} F$.
C) $100^{\circ} F$.
D) $212^{\circ} F$.
Section 9: Mass and Balance
-
If the CG is located aft of the Aft CG Limit, the aircraft will be:
A) More stable longitudinally.
B) Less stable and potentially uncontrollable in pitch.
C) Easier to recover from a stall.
D) More efficient in a climb.
-
In Mass and Balance, the “Basic Empty Mass” includes:
A) Only the airframe.
B) Airframe, engines, and unusable fuel.
C) Airframe, engines, and full passenger load.
D) Airframe and payload only.
-
MAC stands for:
A) Maximum Allowable Cargo.
B) Mean Aerodynamic Chord.
C) Minimum Airspeed Control.
D) Mass and Center.
-
The “Moment” in mass and balance is:
A) Mass / Arm.
B) Mass $\times$ Arm.
C) Arm / Mass.
D) Speed $\times$ Time.
-
The “Datum” in mass and balance is:
A) The center of the aircraft.
B) A reference plane from which all horizontal distances are measured.
C) The nose of the aircraft.
D) The main landing gear.
-
The “Arm” is the distance from:
A) The CG to the tail.
B) The Datum to the center of gravity of an item.
C) The nose to the tail.
D) The wingtip to the fuselage.
-
“Useful Load” is:
A) MTOW minus Empty Mass.
B) Pilot weight only.
C) Fuel weight only.
D) Payload minus fuel.
-
If an aircraft’s CG is too far forward:
A) It will be tail heavy.
B) It will require excessive elevator back pressure to rotate.
C) It will be unstable.
D) It will have a higher cruise speed.
-
If the total mass of an aircraft is increased, the stall speed will:
A) Decrease.
B) Remain the same.
C) Increase.
D) Become zero.
-
The “Moment Arm” is:
A) The weight of the object.
B) The distance from the datum to the object.
C) The force of the engine.
D) The length of the wing.
ANSWER KEY (On a separate page)
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B | 2. A | 3. B | 4. A | 5. B | 6. B | 7. C | 8. B | 9. B | 10. B
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B | 12. A | 13. B | 14. C | 15. B | 16. A | 17. B | 18. A | 19. C | 20. B
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B | 22. A | 23. B | 24. B | 25. B | 26. B | 27. B | 28. B | 29. B | 30. B
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B | 32. C | 33. B | 34. B | 35. C | 36. B | 37. B | 38. A | 39. B | 40. B
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B | 42. A | 43. A | 44. B | 45. B | 46. B | 47. B | 48. A | 49. B | 50. B
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B | 52. A | 53. B | 54. A | 55. A | 56. A | 57. C | 58. B | 59. B | 60. C
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C | 62. A | 63. A | 64. B | 65. B | 66. B | 67. B | 68. B | 69. A | 70. B
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C | 72. A | 73. C | 74. B | 75. B | 76. B | 77. A | 78. B | 79. A | 80. A
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A | 82. C | 83. B | 84. A | 85. B | 86. C | 87. B | 88. A | 89. A | 90. B
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B | 92. B | 93. B | 94. B | 95. B | 96. B | 97. A | 98. B | 99. C | 100. B
