Chapter 8.1 Flight Preparation Instructions

Question 0

When do you need a takeoff alternate?

Answer 0

8.1.2.1.1 Selection of Take-off Alternate
A suitable take-off alternate shall be selected when performance, operational, or meteorological conditions would preclude a return to the departure aerodrome. The take-off alternate shall be located within:

For four-engine aircraft:
Two hours of flight time (equal to 900 nm for A340-300, 940 nm for A340-500 and 950 nm for A380) at a one-engine-inoperative cruising speed in still air standard conditions, based on the actual take-off weight.

Any limitation related to one engine inoperative operations must be taken into account.

Question 1

How is contingency fuel planned?

Answer 1

Contingency fuel should be the higher of Provision (a) or Provision (b) below:

Provision (a)
5% of the planned trip fuel or, in the event of in-flight replanning, 5% of the trip fuel for the remainder of the flight, OR

3% of the planned trip fuel provided that an en-route alternate is available, in accordance with Section 8.1.7.2.3.1 below, or

An amount of fuel sufficient for 20 minutes flying time based upon the planned trip fuel consumption provided that a fuel consumption monitoring programme for individual aircraft has been established and that valid data determined by means of such a programme for fuel calculation are used, OR

Statistical Contingency Fuel (STATCON), which ensures an appropriate statistical coverage of the deviation from the planned to the actual trip fuel.

Provision (b)
An amount to fly for 5 minutes at holding speed 1,500 ft (450 m), above the destination aerodrome in standard conditions.

Question 2

When will the company choose the closest alternate airport?

Answer 2

8.1.2.1.3 Selection of Alternate

C. As long as conditions at destination are such that no diversion is foreseen, it is Company policy to plan a flight using the closest alternate. Whenever weather forecasts indicate that a diversion is a realistic possibility, the alternate best placed for passenger facilitation shall be selected. More details of Alternate selection are given in the OM-C/R&AI Guide, Chapter 1.

Question 3

What nav aids and wx requirement are required for an alternate airport?

Answer 3

d. One serviceable navigation aid is sufficient to designate an aerodrome as an alternate if the weather is forecast to be CAVOK at the anticipated time of arrival. (ATC terminal radar is considered a navigation aid.)
e. If the weather conditions are forecast to be less than CAVOK, two serviceable navigation aids must be available before the aerodrome can be designated as an Alternate.

Question 4

What precautions must you take for night curfews?

Answer 4

8.1.2.2 Aerodrome Curfew/Night Noise Quota Restrictions

Commanders shall discuss any decision to arrive/depart during the restricted period with Network Control who will take the appropriate restriction into account when planning an operation with an arrival during such a period, or a recovery operation following a delay which could result in a departure during the restricted period.

A Captain’s Special Report (CSR) is required to be filed for any arrival or departure during a known curfew period.

Question 5

Min Rwy width foe a380 ops?

Answer 5

8.1.2.3.1 Runway Width

45m

Question 6

Choice of Rwy?

Answer 6

Where a choice is available, the Commander shall select the runway offering the best safety margin under the prevailing weather and runway surface conditions.

Question 7

RFF categories for the A380?

Answer 7

Rescue and Fire Fighting Category (RFF)
8.1.2.4.1 Planning

Destination 10, one level below maybe authorized per R&AIG

Alternates 8

Note.
8.1.2.4.2 In-flight
The Pilot-in-Command may decide to land at an aerodrome regardless of the RFFS category if, in the pilot’s judgment after due consideration of all prevailing circumstances, to do so would be safer than to divert.

Question 8

Standard takeoff minima?

8.1.4.1.1 Company Requirements – Take-off

Answer 8

Ceiling zero

CAT C AIRCRAFT

Runway edge lighting and/or runway centreline marking

250 m (1)

Runway edge and centreline lighting

200 m

Runway edge and centreline lighting and multiple RVR Information

150 m (3)

Note 1:
For night operations at least runway edge and stop end lights are required.

Note 2:
The reported RVR/visibility value representative of the initial part of the take-off run shall be validated by pilot assessment.

Note 3:
The required RVR value must be achieved for all relevant RVR reporting points.

Question 9

8.1.4.1.2 Special Reduced Visibility Take-off Authorisation
LVO qualified crews may reduce the take-off minima to 125 m for Category C and 150 m for Category D aircraft, provided that the following requirements are met:

Answer 9

Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are in force;

High intensity runway centreline lights spaced 15 m or less and high intensity edge lights spaced 60 m or less are in operation;

The reported RVR is at or above the required take-off RVR as shown on the LIDO CCI section for LVOPS Minima page.

Question 10

What is standard CAT1 minima?

Answer 10

DH 200

550 RVR

800 vis

Question 11

What is CAT2 minima?

Answer 11

DH 100

TDZ 350RVR. If Autoland -TDZ 300RVR
MID 125
RO 75

Question 12

What is CAT3 minima?

Answer 12

CAT3A DH 50 TD200RVR MID125 RO75

CAT3B DH 0 75RVR MID75 RO75

Question 13

What is CMV?

Answer 13

Conversation of met visibility

Question 14

What is the minima for a visual approach?

Answer 14

VMC. 5k 5000m clear of clouds

Question 15

What is circling minima?

Answer 15

Ceiling – the higher of 1,200 ft AAL or the charted category D minimum, rounded up by 200 ft. Visibility – the higher of 5,000 m or the published minima.

Question 16

What is the planning alternate minima?

Answer 16

CAT III - CAT I Minima

CAT II - CAT I Minima plus 100 ft/300 m

CAT I - Non Precision Approach Minima

Non Precision Approach -
Company Circling Minima, or if no circling approach available, then the Non-Precision Approach Minima plus 200 ft/1,000 m

Circling Approach -
Higher of 1,500 ft/8,000 m or Cat D Minima rounded up by 500 ft

Question 17

What if there is no forecast weather available?

Answer 17

8.1.4.4.4 No Weather Forecast Available
If no weather forecast is available for a Take-off Alternate, Destination, or Alternate aerodrome, it must be considered to be below Company minima for planning purposes.

Question 18

List the types of contingency fuel?

Answer 18

8.1.7
Provision (a)
5% of the planned trip fuel or, in the event of in-flight replanning, 5% of the trip fuel for the remainder of the flight, OR

3% of the planned trip fuel provided that an en-route alternate is available, in accordance with Section 8.1.7.2.3.1 below, or

An amount of fuel sufficient for 20 minutes flying time based upon the planned trip fuel consumption provided that a fuel consumption monitoring programme for individual aircraft has been established and that valid data determined by means of such a programme for fuel calculation are used, OR

Statistical Contingency Fuel (STATCON), which ensures an appropriate statistical coverage of the deviation from the planned to the actual trip fuel.

Provision (b)
An amount to fly for 5 minutes at holding speed 1,500 ft (450 m), above the destination aerodrome in standard conditions.

Question 19

Where is the location of the enroute fuel alternate?

Answer 19

8.1.7

The en-route alternate should be located within a circle having a radius equal to 20% of the total flight plan distance, the centre of which lies on the planned route at a distance from the destination of 25% of the total flight plan distance, or at 20% of the total flight plan distance plus 50 nm, whichever is the greater; as illustrated below.

Question 20

What is additional fuel?

Answer 20

8.1.7
Additional Fuel is provided by Flight Dispatch for various reasons which are identified in the dispatch notes (tankering, weather, etc.).

Question 21

What is extra fuel?

Answer 21

8.1.7
Extra fuel, is additional fuel carried at the Commander’s discretion, in particular to the detriment of payload, should only be carried for sound commercial or operational reasons, after due consideration of all factors for a particular flight.

It is mandatory to note the reasons for carriage of extra fuel in the appropriate section on the OFP. Only one of the following standard reasons should be used: “Weather”, “ATC”, “Alternate”, “MEL”, and “Other”. Whenever “Other” is recorded, the reason should be briefly explained in the OFP.

Question 22

How do you calculate Decision point fuel?

Answer 22

8.1.7
A flight that is not planned with Contingency fuel as described in Section 8.1.7.2.3 may be dispatched using Decision Point Procedure via a decision point along the route. The amount of fuel required for this procedure is the greater of a. or b. below:

The sum of:

Taxi fuel.

Trip fuel to the destination aerodrome, via the decision point.

Contingency fuel of not less than 5% of the estimated fuel used from the decision point to the destination aerodrome.

Alternate fuel, if a destination alternate is required.

Final reserve fuel.

Additional fuel, if required.

Extra fuel, at the discretion of the Commander.

The sum of:

Taxi fuel.

Trip fuel from the departure to a suitable en-route alternate via the decision point.

Contingency fuel equal to not less than 3% of the estimate fuel consumption (trip fuel) from the departure aerodrome to the en-route alternate.

Final reserve fuel.

Additional fuel, if required.

Extra fuel; at the discretion of the Commander.

Question 23

What is Dry Operating Weight (DOW):

Answer 23

The total weight of the aeroplane ready for a specific type of operation excluding all usable fuel and traffic load. This weight includes items such as:

Crew and crew baggage

Catering and removable passenger service equipment; and

Potable water and lavatory chemicals.

Question 24

What are the age groups for passengers?

Answer 24

8.1.8
Adults, male and female – persons of an age of 12 and above.

Children – persons of 2 years and above but less than 12 years of age.

Infants – persons who are less than 2 years of age.

Question 25

What are the standard weights for crew and pax?

Answer 25

Turn around crew 85kgs
Overnight crew 100kgs

Passenger

Male 85 kg

Female 70 kg

Child 38 kg

Infant 10 kg

Question 26

Can you accept a load sheet after door close?

Answer 26

8.1.8
J. The Final Loadsheet will normally be accepted prior to pushback, as a matter of routine. An updated loadsheet may also be accepted by the Commander prior to take-off – after doors are closed and the aircraft has departed the stand – in case of gross errors detected after pushback.

Question 27

What is the max LMC?

Answer 27

8.1.8
LMC limit for individual LMC or total LMC shall be 500 kg, if greater than 500 a new load sheet is required.
After a LMC it is mandatory to check the following:

ZFW, TOW and LW limits are not exceeded (Structural and Performance).

Take-off performance calculations are validated using the revised TOW and TOWCG.

Loading limitations are not exceeded.

Note 1:
LMC may consist of Cargo, Passengers, DOW, Crew, Catering and Fuel for Boeing fleet only.

Note 2:
Fuel LMC is not allowed on any Airbus aircraft.

Note: an LMC is always an adjustment to the ZFW! So after any LMC change the FMS Fuel and Load page ZFW. Check that THE MTOW, MLDG, MZFW are not exceeded. And finally check that the TOPA TOW is not exceeded!!!

Question 28

What should you do if you suspect the aircraft is incorrectly loaded?

Answer 28

8.1.8

Maintain the aeroplane well within the safe operating envelope and buffet margin for the remainder of the flight;

Make arrangements for weighing of all cargo and baggage at the destination aerodrome;

Make an entry in the Technical Log.

Question 29

Where would you find the min requirements for the OFP?

Answer 29

8.1.10.2 Content of the Operational Flight Plan

Question 30

How often should OFP fuel checks be preformed?

Answer 30

8.1.10.3 Completion of the Operational Flight Plan
Every 60 mins

FCOM PROCEDURES NORMAL CRUISE

Every 30 mins check FMS fuel and FOB/FU against OFP

Question 31

When is the commander authorized to sign the CRS “certified” column of the tech log and transfer defects to the ADD?

Answer 31

8.1.11
At a station where there is no emirates authorized engineer. In coordination ithe VPNC and MCC. The letter of authorization is found in the doc folder.

Or any time the crew entered an MEL with a (M) (m-cd) in coord with VPNC & MCC

Question 32

What do you need to check on the tech log before push?

Answer 32

8.1.11
Prior to dispatch, the Commander will check the Technical Log to ensure the total fuel on board and fuel uplift are correct, that all defects have been appropriately cleared or deferred in accordance with the requirements of the MEL/CDL, and that the aircraft has been declared and certified as serviceable.

Question 33

What documents are required on board?

Answer 33

8.1.12
Certificate of Registration;

Certificate of Airworthiness and Airworthiness Review Certificate (where issued);

Noise Certificate (a copy is acceptable);

Air Operator Certificate (true and certified copy);

Operations Specification relevant to the aeroplane type and issued in conjunction with the AOC certificate (copy);

Aeroplane Radio Station Licence;

Third Party Liability Insurance Certificates (a copy is acceptable).

Question 34

What documents are required to be carried by a crew member?

Answer 34

8.1.12
A valid flight crew licence with the appropriate rating(s) for the purpose of that flight;

A valid Certificate of Test;

Note:
If the Certificate of Test has been misplaced, a copy of the most recent PPC/IR for each aircraft type may be carried in its place.

A valid Medical Certificate;

A valid passport with appropriate visas (if applicable);

Certificates of vaccination (if applicable);

A Company ID card;

A UAE E-Gate or UAE ID card;

A valid Crew Member Certificate (CMC).

Question 35

When is a GD required?

Answer 35

8.1.12

A GD is required for all flights except Tasman sea flights.
If a GD is not available, the commander must complete a manual GD from the blank forms folder. Assign this to the purser.

Question 36

What is the rules about crew ops without the correct documents?

Answer 36

8.1.12
A Commander shall not permit a Flight or Cabin Crew member to operate a flight ex Dubai if he has been notified that this crew member is not in possession of his required documentation or the required information as specified in 1.5.3 paragraph x is incorrect.

A Commander shall not permit a flight or cabin crew member who is not in possession of his required documentation, to operate a flight from an outstation, unless authorised by the UAE GCAA.

When notified that a crew member is missing his personal documentation, the Commander shall notify the VP-NC who will relay the information to Regulator Affairs who in turn will liaise with the UAE GCAA to obtain the authorisation.

Full details of the discrepancy shall be recorded on the Voyage Report.

Question 37

What is the rule governing use of headsets?

Answer 37

Headsets and boom microphones shall be used for all phases of flight, except cruise, when loudspeakers may be used, provided a headset is used when operating any radio other than the primary VHF.

Question 38

What is the minimum check required during preflight briefings?

Answer 38

8.1.15
The minimum requirements for pre-flight planning and briefing are to check:

OFP for accuracy and validity.

NOTAMs and weather conditions at departure, destination, and alternate aerodromes.

En-route within the first hour of flight.

A check of relevant FCIs.

Question 39

When is a cabin crew briefing required?

Answer 39

8.1.15
The Commander is required to conduct a pre-flight briefing with the cabin crew before every duty or change of cabin crew. Every effort shall be made to give this briefing prior to the crew boarding the aircraft, and should only be conducted on the aircraft when necessary.

Question 40

What are the items in a cabin crew brief?

Answer 40

8.1.15

Commanders should use this opportunity to establish their role as team leader and manager. First Officers should only conduct this briefing when it is certain the Commander has been delayed. It is appreciated that cabin crew place a high value on a face-to-face meeting with the flight crew.

The briefing should encourage interaction and feedback between the cabin and flight crew, and attempt to cover, but not be limited to, the following items:

Introduction of flight crew.

Ensuring all crew members are in possession of valid required personal documents: IDs, passports, etc. Verbal confirmation by the Purser meets these requirements.

Details of the flight and any aspects that may affect the service or passenger comfort.

For Augmented Operations, briefings on:

Chain of command.

Role of augmenting flight crew members.

Rest periods.

Meal arrangements.

Use of rest facilities.

Delegation of command.

The Purser in turn should be asked to provide input and/or details of special passengers, VIPs, diplomats, deportees, etc. at any time during duty. This particularly applies to subsequent information that comes to hand at outstations.

The policy of access to the flight deck, the password arrangements in order to gain access to the flight deck, and the intercom procedures between the cabin and flight deck.

The importance of strict adherence to all security procedures.

Any other items, specific to that particular flight.

Refueling and available doors.

Question 41

What is the validity of a daily Mx check?

Answer 41

Daily Maintenance Check Validity
An aircraft shall not be dispatched on a flight, if a Daily Maintenance Check would expire before the planned arrival time at the next station.

36hrs for an Airbus

Question 42

A transit check, who is require to perform the check?

Answer 42

An authorized engineer, however the commander may preform this check on a contingency basis.