Which equipment is essential for visual navigation?

Visual navigation primarily relies on the ability of the pilot to interpret visual cues from the environment, including landmarks, terrain, and navigational aids. A map and compass serve as fundamental tools in this context, providing critical information about the pilot’s location and the direction to the intended destination. The map offers a visual representation of the area, while the compass helps with orienting and maintaining the desired course.

In visual navigation, the pilot's ability to recognize visual landmarks on the map enhances situational awareness and supports decision-making during flight. This combination is especially important in environments where electronic navigation systems may not be available or where a pilot may need to rely on traditional methods of navigation.

The other equipment options, while useful in certain contexts, are not essential for visual navigation in the same way. Autopilot systems assist with managing flight controls but do not provide navigational direction. An altimeter measures altitude rather than providing navigable information about the horizontal position, and a transponder is primarily used for communication and identification purposes rather than navigation. Therefore, the map and compass are indispensable tools for effective visual navigation.