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:

Student pilots must master traditional navigation (pilotage and dead reckoning) for diversions, as it's a critical check ride requirement and essential for real-world emergencies, despite the prevalence of GPS.
Over-reliance on electronic devices during a diversion can lead to loss of aircraft control and failure if pilots prioritize the device over flying the plane and maintaining situational awareness.
Proficiency in using sectional charts and aviation apps to quickly identify suitable divert airports, including critical services like fuel availability, is crucial for effective emergency planning and execution.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.