Back to the Fundamentals of Navigation

Rally Flight is built around a simple but demanding principle:
navigation must rely on preparation, awareness, and decision-making — not real-time GPS guidance.

Pilots are expected to plan their routes in advance and execute them by reading the landscape, understanding wind and conditions, and making smart choices in flight.

What “Without Real-Time GPS” Means

• No live navigation apps providing turn-by-turn guidance
• No dynamic rerouting assistance during flight
• No continuous position correction based on GPS tracks

GPS devices may be used only as permitted by the regulations, strictly for:

• Post-flight verification
• Track logging
• Safety back-up when explicitly allowed

What Pilots Must Rely On

• Pre-flight route planning
• Maps and visual references
• Terrain recognition
• Weather assessment
• Time, distance, and heading estimation

This approach rewards pilots who truly understand navigation — not just technology.

Why This Rule Exists

• Preserves the spirit of adventure and rally flying
• Ensures fair competition across all pilots
• Highlights real airmanship and situational awareness
• Creates a deeper, more immersive flying experience

Elite vs Challenge Context

• Challenge pilots focus on clean execution and endurance using mandatory turn points
• Elite pilots combine navigation skills with advanced tasks and performance scoring

In both categories, navigation skill is a defining factor.