Unfair or Unprepared? Proof Is in the Piloting

Being capable of diverting to an unfamiliar airport includes learning many potential scenarios.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Weather is one of the most common reasons for pilots to divert to another airport. [Pixabay]

Key Takeaways:

Many student pilots object to being tested on traditional navigation methods (pilotage, dead reckoning) for diversions without GPS, viewing it as unfair, despite it being a critical skill for check rides and real-world emergencies.
A mock check ride demonstrated the consequences of over-reliance on GPS, as the applicant failed by not verifying airport suitability (e.g., fuel availability) from sectional charts and losing aircraft control during a simulated low-fuel diversion.
The article emphasizes the vital importance of mastering "analog" navigation skills, understanding sectional symbology, and proactive pre-flight planning that includes anticipating and researching potential diversion airports and their services.

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One of the most common complaints you hear from student pilots is that their instructor was “unfair” when the CFI told them to divert to an unfamiliar airport using (gasp) pilotage and dead reckoning—no GPS.

Even when the CFI explains this piloting skill will be part of their check ride—using analog aviation to a place they haven’t been to before—some learners can get rather salty. Settle down, Francis. Don’t bother telling the pilot examiner about all the backups you’ll have every time you fly.This is about testing specific skills.