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When a diversion becomes necessary, what should the pilot generally do first?

Choices

  • ✓ Turn toward the new airport, then estimate heading, distance, time, and fuelcorrect

    Turning promptly saves time and fuel; precise figures can be refined after the turn.

  • Complete an exact wind-triangle computation before changing heading

    Waiting to compute precisely wastes time and fuel; turn first.

  • Continue to the original destination and re-plan on the ground

    If a diversion is needed, continuing to the original destination defeats the purpose.

  • Descend to the surface immediately

    An immediate descent is not the standard first step in a routine diversion.

Why

In a diversion the pilot turns toward the new airport first, then estimates heading, distance, time, and fuel. A rough estimate made promptly beats a precise one made too late.

FAA source: PHAK Ch. 16 / diversion proceduresbrowse the reference library →

This is taught in Flight Plans, Chart Currency, Diversions and Getting Un-Lost — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

When a diversion becomes necessary, what should the pilot generally d… · PPL Free Ground School