After switching to secondary navigation sources due to NAV/COM failure, which action supports continued safe navigation?

• A. Rely on automated routing alone.
• B. Proceed direct to the next waypoint without confirmation.
• C. Cross-check the secondary navigation sources with the active flight plan.
• D. Ignore updates and continue with original routing.

Answer: (C)

Redundancy in navigation hinges on verifying alternate sources against the active flight plan. When primary NAV/COM fails and you switch to secondary navigation sources, your main aim is to confirm your actual position, course, and route against what you intend to fly. By cross-checking the secondary data with the flight plan, you ensure the readings you’re relying on align with the planned waypoints and track, so you don’t drift off course or follow an incorrect path. This practice helps catch discrepancies early and supports safe continuation while you work to restore the primary systems or re-plan as needed.

Relying on automated routing alone can mislead you if the automation is using degraded or inconsistent data. Proceeding direct to the next waypoint without verification bypasses a crucial position fix. Ignoring updates and sticking to the original routing discards useful information that could improve safety. Cross-checking keeps navigation grounded in the planned route and verified position, safeguarding you until full reliability is restored.