Dead Reckoning is a traditional method of navigation where the position of an aircraft (or any vehicle) is determined by calculating its course, speed, time, and direction from a known position, without relying on external references like landmarks or GPS. It involves using instruments such as a compass, an airspeed indicator, and a clock to estimate the current location.
Key elements of dead reckoning include:
- Course: The intended direction or heading to be followed, usually measured in degrees from true north or magnetic north.
- Speed: The rate at which the aircraft is traveling, often measured in knots.
- Time: The amount of time spent traveling on the course.
- Wind Correction: Adjusting the course for wind drift, to ensure the aircraft stays on the intended track.
Dead reckoning is typically used when other navigational aids (e.g., visual references, radar, GPS) are not available or when flying over areas without identifiable landmarks. While it’s an older technique, it remains a crucial backup navigation method in aviation and maritime navigation.
