What is the recommended approach for teaching navigation skills according to the CFII PTS?

The recommended approach for teaching navigation skills emphasizes a combination of ground instruction, simulation, and flight experience. This multifaceted method is effective because it allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of navigation concepts while also gaining practical skills. Ground instruction provides the foundational knowledge needed to understand navigation principles, including the use of charts, instruments, and flight planning.

Incorporating simulation allows students to practice navigation skills in a controlled environment without the risks associated with actual flight. This helps to build confidence and reinforce theoretical knowledge before applying it in real-world situations. Finally, actual flight experience is crucial as it provides students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a live operational environment, where they can interact with real instruments and face the dynamics of flying.

This integrated approach recognizes that navigation skills require not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience, making it the most effective way to prepare students for real-world flying scenarios. Other options, such as focusing solely on either theoretical instruction or flight simulation, would limit the learning experience and fail to prepare students adequately for the complexities of navigation in aviation.