AIM Flashcards
Dispatcher must be vigilant of any NOTAMs regarding _____ navigational aids.
Inoperative
What is an NBD?
Non-directional beacon, non-precision approach aid, normally usable < 18,000’
What are some characteristics of the VHF Omni-Directional Range (VOR)?
360 usable radials, non-precision approach aid
What is a VORTAC?
A VOR combined with a TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation). Behaves in the same was as a VOR
What is DME?
Distance measuring equipment. It allows the pilot to determine position. Can be collocated with VORs, ILSs, or LOCs
What is an ILS?
Instrument Landing System. Provides exact alignment and decent information for an aircraft on final approach to a runway
What is a Straight-In (S-IN) Landing?
A landing made on a runway aligned within 30º of the final approach course following an instrument approach.
What is a Circling Maneuver?
A maneuver to align the aircraft with a landing runway when a S-IN landing is neighter possible nor desirable
What is a Precision Approach Procedure?
An instrument approach which utilizes an electronic glide scope.
Ex: ILS, ILS/DME, and PAR
True or False:
Non-Precision Approach Procedures use electronic glidepaths
False
Define Touchdown Zone (TDZ)
The first 3,000’ beyond the threshold
Define touchdown zone elevation (TDZE)
The highest elevation within the touchdown zone
What is Decision Altitude (DA)?
The MSL altitude in the precision approach at which a missed approach much be initiated if required visual reference has not been established.
What is Decision Height (DH)?
Height of the decision altitude above the ground (TDZE or threshold).
What information does a Localizer provide?
Azimuth (direcitonal) guidance
What information does the glidescope (GS)/glidepath (GP) provide?
Decent (vertical) guidance. Cannot operate without the LOC
What is Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA)?
The lowest authorized MSL altitude in the non-precision approach without visual reference established
What is Minimum Descent Height (MDH)?
Height of the MDA above ground (TDZE or threshold).
What does Height Above Touchdown apply to?
Applies to Straight-In minumums only
Define Height Above Airport
Height of the MDA above airport elevation. Used in conjunction with circling minimums only
What does the acronym WAAS stand for?
Wide Area Augmentation System. An enhancement to GPS systems
Define waypoint
Predetermined geographical position defined in latitude/longitude coordinates
Describe RNAV
Area Navigation - Reduces dependence on radar vectoring, altitude, and speed assignments. More efficient use of airspace
What is a Fly-By Waypoint?
A waypoint where the pilot should begin a turn PRIOR to reaching the waypoint
What is a Fly-Over Waypoint?
A waypoint where the aircraft must FLY OVER the point before starting a turn
What does the acronym ALS stand for? What is the importance?
Approach Light Systems.
The system makes the runway environment more apparent in low visibility conditions and assists with alignment guidance with the runway. Landing minimums change when the light system is inoperable.
What is SFL?
Sequenced flashing lights
loss may affect the landing minimums
What does RAIL stand for?
Runway Alignment Indicator Lights
loss may affect landing minimums
ALSF-II
Approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights, category II configuration
loss may affect landing minimums
ALSF-I
Approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights, category I configuration
loss may affect landing minimums
MALSR
Medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights
loss may affect landing minimums
What are VASI lights?
Visual Approach Slope Indicator lights.
Rows of lights on the side of the runway that provide a visual reference for descent
No effect on instrument landing minimums
What are PAPI lights?
Precision Approach Path Indicator lights.
Similar to VASI lights, configued differently. Either red or white, adjacent to the side of the runway abeam the ideal touchdown point.
No effect on instrument landing minimums
What are REIL lights?
Runway End Identifier Lights.
Flashing white strobe lights on or near each side of the threshold
No effect on instrument landing minimums
What are HIRLs?
High Intensity Runway Lights
Outline the edge of the runway. RVR is based on these.
Loss may affect takeoff or landing minimums
Describe touchdown zone lights
In-runway lighting used to assist with landing in poor weather
Labeled as TDZL or TDZ
Describe Runway Centerline lights
In-runway lighting used to assist in poor weather.
Labeled as RCLS in NOTAMs or CL in Aeronautical Charts
Loss may affect takeoff minimums