Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

Which mode in GPS navigation has a range greater than 30 nautical miles?

1. Terminal Mode

2. Enroute Mode

3. Approach Mode

4. Landing Mode

The correct answer is: Enroute Mode

In GPS navigation, the mode that has a range greater than 30 nautical miles is Enroute Mode. This mode is specifically designed for navigation during the cruise phase of flight when the aircraft is at a higher altitude and covering longer distances away from the destination. Enroute Mode typically allows pilots to navigate and follow flight paths over long distances, facilitating the journey between departure and arrival points. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that the aircraft remains on the correct course, especially during long flights where reaching the destination may involve passing through airspace that is several hundred nautical miles away. The other modes—Terminal, Approach, and Landing—are tailored for phases of flight that occur closer to the airport. Terminal Mode generally focuses on navigation in the vicinity of an airport or during the descent phase, while Approach Mode assists pilots in aligning with the runway during the instrument approach. Landing Mode is specifically designed for the final stages of descent and landing, which require precise control over the aircraft's trajectory in a smaller, more localized area. Therefore, Enroute Mode is the correct choice for navigation that extends beyond 30 nautical miles.