Objective:

To instill the understanding and skills necessary to safely handle a situation where a pilot becomes lost.

Elements:

1. Discuss the importance of keeping up with pilotage and dead reckoning.
2. Reconize that you are lost but DO NOT PANIC!
3. Note your last known position and mark it on sectional.
4. Use VOR radials to help triangulate your position... you may not be lost but slightly off course.
5. Recommended Lost Procedures (The 4 C's)
   • Climb for better visibility and radio/nav reception
   • Communicate with any availably faciliy
   • Confess that you are lost
   • Comply with their suggestions

Common Errors:

1. Laziness and becoming complacent with navigating.
2. Failure to recognize a situation you are lost.
3. Not wanting to admit that one is lost (Pride gets in the way).
4. Busting airspace
5. Not fallowing procedures.

References:

• Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Pages 14-27
• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
  • 5-3-1 Direction Finder (DF) Service

Notes:

Contact FSS (122.2) and ask for DF Steer

Direction Finder Steer - Controler may ask you to hold down transmit button for a few seconds then ask you to make a couple turns. This will give the controler enough information about your location and offer vectors to a suitable place of landing.

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