As a rule, how many minutes apart should checkpoints be during navigation?

In navigation, particularly when using vertical navigation (VNAV), checkpoints serve as important references that help pilots monitor and assess their flight path and performance. Establishing a standard time interval between these checkpoints is crucial for ensuring accuracy and efficiency in navigation.

The recommended practice of having checkpoints no closer than 5 minutes apart allows for sufficient time to evaluate the aircraft's positioning, altitude, and performance, as well as to make necessary adjustments. This interval strikes a balance between being frequent enough to monitor changes and allowing adequate time for analysis without creating an overwhelming number of checkpoints which could complicate navigation.

Having checkpoints too close together, such as 3 minutes, could lead to unnecessary workload and increase the potential for errors, as pilots may not have enough time to process the information effectively. Conversely, spacing checkpoints too far apart, such as 10 minutes or more, might result in missing critical navigational information or failing to identify deviations from the planned route in a timely manner.

The 5-minute checkpoint interval strikes the ideal balance for effective navigation monitoring, making it the preferred choice in this context.