Chart Reading, Triangle Of Velocities, Drift Lines, Route Selection, Chart Prep

Question 1

On appropriate NZ aeronautical charts, interpret the scale, legend, airspace, geographical features and symbols.

Answer 1

Given two coords of two positions, providing they’re on the same meridian or the equator, convert latitude into nm and then nm into km. This’ll give you the earth distance in km.

Use formula outer(earth distance) - (scale)
inner(chart distance) - (10)

To find chart distance in cm

Question 2

Describe the methods of indicating relief

Answer 2

Colour tinting -
Each layer between sea level and highest elevation on chart is given a colour and goes in order like this:

0 = blue
0-500ft = light green
500-1000 = dark green
1000-2000 = tan
2000-3000 = yellow
3000-4000 = light brown
4000-5000 = orange
5000-6000 = light red
6000+ = white

Spot height - prominent heights are shown as figures indicating the elevation of the feature AMSL in feet

Maximum elevation figure - charts have a large number in each square. Also known as the highest know feature in that area.

Question 3

Identify and label the three vectors of triangles of velocities

Answer 3

Drift - angle
1 arrow - heading/tas
2 arrow - track/gs
3 arrow - wind

Question 4

What are drift lines? And how do they work?

Answer 4

A way to get back on to track.

Draw lines beaming out at 10º either side of your track from both your departure airfield and destination airfield. Using this you can quickly work out track error and closing angle to give you a heading correction.

Question 5

Diversion from planned track. What’s the need for it and how do you do it?

Answer 5

Divert due to weather or request from ATC.

Useful method is to divert way from your track at a given angle, then sometime later return to track at the same angle. Mainly 60º is used.

Question 6

List the factors to be considered when selecting a VFR cross-country navigation route. (7)

Answer 6

• weather forecasts and conditions
• determine tracks, altitudes, checkpoints, and turning points.
• select alternate routes
• establish the end of ECT if the flight plan is to be finished late in the afternoon. Determine the minimum amount of fuel plus reserves which will get you to your destination.
• establish the types of airspace that you’ll be operating in, and ensure that you know the associated meteorological and operational requirements.
• check ATC procedures, requirements and radio frequencies including those published in a FISCOM chart.
• complete a flight plan

Question 7

List the factors to consider when selecting altitudes at which to fly in the cruise.

Answer 7

Consider spot heights 5nm either side of the track. Apply NOSE for cruising levels.

Question 8

List the factors to be considered when selecting alternate routes and destination alternates. (5)

Answer 8

• weather
• daylight duration
• fuel available
• attach a marker to each of those aerodrome charts for quick access in flight
• take note of airspace and controlled aerodrome requirements either side of track.