BY ORDER OF THE AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 11-216
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE 1 MARCH 2001
Flying Operations
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AIR NAVIGATION
NOTICE: This publication is available digitally on the AFDPO WWW site at:
http://www.afpubs.hq.af.mil.
OPR: HQ AETC/DOZN (Maj Olin Goodhue) Certified by: HQ USAF/XOO
Supersedes AFM 51-40, 15 March 1983 (Brig Gen Paul R. Doral)
Pages: 427
Distribution: F
This pamphlet supports AFPD 11-2, Aircraft Rules and Procedures. It provides information on all
phases of air navigation. It is a source of reference for navigators and navigator students. This text
explains how to measure, chart the earth, and use flight instruments to solve basic navigation problems.
It also contains data pertaining to flight publications, mission planning, in-flight procedures, and low-
level navigation. This pamphlet may apply to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) when published
in the AFRC Index 2 and to the Air National Guard when published in the NGR (AF) 0-2. A glossary of
references and supporting information used in this publication is at Attachment 1; mathematical
formulas to use as an aid in preflight and in-flight computations are at Attachment 2; chart and
navigation symbols are at Attachment 3; and a subject index is at Attachment 4.
Maintain and dispose of records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication in
accordance with (IAW) AFMAN 37-139, Records Disposition Schedule (will become AFMAN 33-322,
Volume 4).
SUMMARY OF REVISIONS
This document is substantially revised and must be completely reviewed.
Chapter 1—MAPS AND CHARTS
Section 1A Introduction
1.1. Navigation Publications ................................................................................................. 19
1.2. Basic Terms.................................................................................................................... 19
Section 1B The Earth
1.3. Shape and Size ............................................................................................................... 20
Figure 1.1. Schematic Representation of the Earth Showing Axis of Rotation and Equator........... 21
1.4. Great Circles and Small Circles ..................................................................................... 21
1.5. Latitude and Longitude .................................................................................................. 21
Figure 1.2. A Great Circle Is the Largest Circle in a Sphere............................................................ 22
Figure 1.3. Planes of the Earth.......................................................................................................... 23
Certified Current, 28 FEBRUARY 2018
