Which of the following is not a recognized method of orienting an aircraft?

• A. radar
• B. NAVAIDs
• C. wind shear analysis
• D. sighting by other aircraft

Answer: (C)

Orientation relies on navigation references and external cues. Radar provides a live picture of your position relative to air traffic control coverage, giving distance and bearing that help you locate where you are. NAVAIDs such as VORs, DMEs, and ILS give you radio signals you can use to fix your position and stay on the intended course. Sighting by another aircraft can provide a visual reference to determine relative location when you can identify and coordinate with that aircraft. Wind shear analysis, however, deals with how wind speed and direction change with altitude to anticipate safety and performance impacts. It doesn’t supply information about your location or heading, so it isn’t a method used to orient the aircraft.