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Sample ATPL Navigation Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ATPL Navigation exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Comparing the equatorial radius and the polar radius of the Earth, which of the following statements is correct regarding the Earth's geodetic shape?
A.The Earth is an oblate spheroid; the polar radius is approximately 21.5 NM (0.3%) shorter than the equatorial radius.
B.The Earth is a prolate spheroid; the polar radius is approximately 21.5 NM (0.3%) longer than the equatorial radius.
C.The Earth is a perfect sphere; the polar and equatorial radii are exactly equal to 3,440 NM.
D.The Earth is an oblate spheroid; the polar radius is approximately 80 NM (1.2%) shorter than the equatorial radius.
Explanation: Due to centrifugal forces from its rotation, the Earth is flattened at the poles, making it an oblate spheroid. The equatorial radius is approximately 6,378 km (3,444 NM) while the polar radius is approximately 6,357 km (3,433 NM), resulting in a difference of about 21.5 NM, or roughly 0.3%.
2An aircraft departs from position A (60°N, 010°E) and flies due East along the parallel of latitude to position B (60°N, 020°E). What is the distance flown along this parallel?
A.600 NM
B.300 NM
C.520 NM
D.150 NM
Explanation: Using the departure formula: Departure = Change of Longitude (in minutes) × cos(Latitude). Here, the change of longitude is 10 degrees (600 minutes). Therefore, Departure = 600 × cos(60°) = 600 × 0.5 = 300 NM.
3An aircraft flies a distance of 424 NM due West along the parallel of latitude 45°S. What is the change of longitude during this flight?
A.10° 00'
B.6° 00'
C.7° 04'
D.14° 08'
Explanation: From the departure formula: Change of Longitude (minutes) = Departure / cos(Latitude). So, Change of Longitude = 424 / cos(45°) = 424 / 0.7071 ≈ 600 minutes. Converting minutes to degrees: 600 / 60 = 10° 00'.
4Which of the following statements correctly describes the properties of a great circle and a rhumb line?
A.A great circle has a constantly changing true track (except when along the Equator or a meridian), while a rhumb line maintains a constant true track.
B.A rhumb line represents the shortest distance between any two points on the Earth's surface.
C.A great circle is a straight line on a Mercator projection chart, whereas a rhumb line is curved.
D.A rhumb line always spirals toward the equator, eventually forming a circle around it.
Explanation: A great circle represents the shortest distance on a sphere and its true track changes continuously as it crosses meridians at different angles (except along the Equator or a meridian). A rhumb line cuts all meridians at the same angle, maintaining a constant true track.
5What is the apparent drift rate of a directional gyroscope due to Earth's rotation at a latitude of 45°N?
A.10.6° per hour clockwise
B.10.6° per hour counter-clockwise
C.15.0° per hour clockwise
D.7.5° per hour clockwise
Explanation: Apparent drift due to Earth's rotation (Earth rate) is calculated as: 15 × sin(Latitude) degrees per hour. At 45°N, the rate is 15 × sin(45°) = 15 × 0.7071 = 10.6° per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, the apparent drift direction is clockwise (to the right).
6What is the direction and rate of apparent drift of a directional gyroscope at a latitude of 30°S?
A.7.5° per hour counter-clockwise
B.7.5° per hour clockwise
C.13.0° per hour counter-clockwise
D.15.0° per hour clockwise
Explanation: Apparent drift is given by: 15 × sin(Latitude) degrees per hour. At 30°S, this equals 15 × sin(30°) = 7.5° per hour. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Earth rotates eastward, causing the gyroscope axis to appear to drift counter-clockwise.
7An aircraft flies due West along the parallel of latitude 60°N at a groundspeed of 360 knots. What is the transport drift rate of the directional gyroscope?
A.10.4° per hour clockwise
B.10.4° per hour counter-clockwise
C.6.0° per hour clockwise
D.12.0° per hour counter-clockwise
Explanation: Transport drift rate is calculated as: Change of Longitude (deg/hour) × sin(Latitude). First, calculate change of longitude rate: Change of Longitude (deg/hour) = Groundspeed / (60 × cos(Latitude)) = 360 / (60 × cos(60°)) = 6 / 0.5 = 12°/hour. Thus, transport drift rate = 12 × sin(60°) = 12 × 0.866 = 10.4°/hour. Flying West in the Northern Hemisphere causes a clockwise transport drift.
8A great circle track is plotted between position A (60°N, 010°W) and position B (60°N, 030°E). If the final true track at B is 107.3°, what is the initial true track at A?
A.072.7°
B.090.0°
C.124.6°
D.055.4°
Explanation: Earth convergency is given by: Change of Longitude × sin(Latitude). Here, Change of Longitude = 30° - (-10°) = 40°. Convergency = 40° × sin(60°) = 40 × 0.866 = 34.6°. In the Northern Hemisphere, a great circle track bends poleward (convex to the North pole), so track decreases from West to East. Thus, Initial Track = Final Track - Convergency = 107.3° - 34.6° = 072.7°.
9Which of the following defines 'conversion angle' in navigation?
A.The angle between the great circle and the rhumb line, which is equal to half the convergency.
B.The angle between true north and magnetic north at any given position.
C.The angular difference between the heading of the aircraft and the ground track.
D.The correction angle applied to convert standard time to local mean time.
Explanation: Conversion angle is the angle between the great circle track and the rhumb line track between two points. It is mathematically defined as: Conversion Angle = 0.5 × Earth Convergency.
10On a Lambert Conformal Conic chart, how does the chart convergency compare to the Earth convergency?
A.Chart convergency is constant and equals Change of Longitude × sin(Parallel of Origin), which only matches Earth convergency at the parallel of origin.
B.Chart convergency is variable and matches Earth convergency at all latitudes.
C.Chart convergency is zero because all meridians are drawn as parallel straight lines.
D.Chart convergency is equal to the change of longitude regardless of the latitude.
Explanation: On a Lambert Conformal Conic chart, the constant of the cone (n) is sin(Parallel of Origin). Chart convergency is defined as: Change of Longitude × sin(Parallel of Origin). This is constant across the entire chart and matches Earth convergency (Change of Longitude × sin(Latitude)) only at the parallel of origin.

About the ATPL Navigation Exam

This examination evaluates an applicant's comprehension of advanced aviation navigation principles as required for the CAASL Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Key topics span General Navigation (061), Radio Navigation (062), and Instrumentation (022). Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in earth geometry, chart projections, navigation calculations, flight computer usage, radio navigation aids (VOR, DME, NDB, ILS), radar systems, satellite navigation (GNSS/GPS), inertial reference systems (IRS/INS), and air data/gyroscopic instruments. The examination is administered computer-based at the CAASL Examination Center in Katunayake. Standard EASA syllabus topics are assessed, requiring candidates to solve calculations for wind drift, groundspeed, scale, convergency, time conversions, 1-in-60 rule, and PET/PSR. Comprehensive preparation using official study guides, navigation manuals, and systematic mock tests is highly recommended for achieving the 75% passing score within the 2-hour time limit.

Exam sponsor: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Examination Center. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

60 questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

75%

Exam / Certification Fees

LKR 4,000

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

50%

General Navigation

Advanced Earth model, charts, and long-range planning.

50%

Radio Navigation

VOR/DME, ILS, GNSS, and RNAV/RNP concepts.

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What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Exam length: 60 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: LKR 4,000 Official sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass mark for the CAASL ATPL Navigation exam?

The CAASL theoretical knowledge pass mark is 75%, with no negative marking for incorrect answers.

How many questions are on the official CAASL ATPL Navigation paper?

The official paper is published as 60 questions with a duration of 2 hours (see SLCAP 3080 / IS-66 / CAASL Examination Center).

Who administers the CAASL ATPL Navigation examination?

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) conducts knowledge examinations at the CAASL Examination Center.

Where can I confirm fees?

Examination fees are published in CAASL SLCAP 7100 (Fees and Charges). Confirm the current per-subject fee before booking.