Approach Plates Flashcards
What does NOTAM stand for?
Notice to Air Missions
(DON’T FLY INTO ME)
What are Domestic NOTAMs?
Navigational facility info, published use airports, runway closures.
What are FDC NOTAMs?
Regulatory in nature. Restrictions to flight or amendments to plates & charts.
What are International NOTAMs?
Any NOTAM intended for distribution of more than 1 country.
What are Military NOTAMs?
Only applies to military activity.
What is a DME Arc?
No procedure turn (PT). No course reversal.
In simple terms: A DME Arc is a curved path you follow around a point, staying the same distance away from that point the whole time! It’s like walking in a circle around a tree, always staying the same number of steps away from it.
What is MDA?
Minimum Descent Altitude for Non-Precision approaches. Go missed if you don’t have runway in sight at MAP.
What is DA/DH?
Decision Altitude/Decision Height for Precision approaches. Must have a runway in sight. Go missed if you don’t see runway environment. DA = CAT I, DH = CAT II & III.
What is a VDP?
Visual Descent Point for non-precision approaches. Defined point on final approach course from which a normal descent from MDA to runway can be made with adequate visual reference. Do not descend below MDA prior to reaching the VDP.
What is the formula for VDP if not published?
VDP = (Height above Terrain/300).
What is a VDA?
Visual Descent Angle on a non-precision approach.
In simple terms: The Visual Descent Angle (VDA) is like a safe slope or guide to help you descend from the sky smoothly and land safely, without getting too steep or too shallow as you come in. It’s like following a ramp down to the ground!
What does HAA stand for?
Height Above Airport (Circling).
What does HAT stand for?
Height Above Touchdown/Threshold.
What are MSA?
Minimum Safe Altitudes. 1000 ft clearance for mountainous and non-mountainous terrain. Not guaranteed NAV/communications. Used for emergencies. Not in all approaches.
When can you start to descend?
When cleared, established, or at half-scale.
