Dead Reckoning

In the context of aerospace engineering, Dead Reckoning is a method of estimating an aircraft's current position based on a previously known position, the course the aircraft is known to have been steering, the distance it is known to have traveled, and the time that has elapsed since the last known position. This method does not rely on external references or aids for navigation but instead uses calculations based on time, speed, direction of travel, and wind speed and direction. Dead Reckoning is often used in conjunction with other navigation methods to cross-check the accuracy of the estimated position. It is a fundamental skill for pilots and is particularly useful in situations where GPS or other electronic navigation aids are unavailable or unreliable. However, it is subject to cumulative errors over time and distance, especially if the initial position, course, speed, or time is inaccurately known or if changes in course, speed, or wind conditions occur without being accurately accounted for.