Compliance with Departure, Enroute, and Arrival Procedures

Question 1

What are the components of a basic IFR departure clearance?

Answer 1

The basic elements are:
Clearance limit (destination or fix).

Route (initial route to be flown).

Altitude (initial and expected).

Frequency (departure or center frequency).

Transponder code.

Ref: AIM 4-4-3

Question 2

What is a clearance void time?

Answer 2

A time issued by ATC for pilots departing from uncontrolled airports. If the flight is not airborne by this time, the clearance is void, and the pilot must contact ATC.

Ref: AIM 5-2-6

Question 3

What are DPs? (AIM 5-2-9)

Answer 3

Departure Procedures (DPs): Preplanned IFR procedures that provide obstacle clearance and facilitate efficient air traffic flow.

Question 4

What are the types of DPs?

Answer 4

Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP):
Ensures obstacle clearance, often without ATC communication.

Standard Instrument
Departure (SID):
Facilitates ATC handling and traffic flow.

Ref: AIM 5-2-9

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of an ODP? SID?

Answer 5

ODP: Provides obstacle clearance.

SID: Facilitates ATC handling and reduces workload for both pilots and controllers.

Ref: AIM 5-2-9

Question 6

What is considered the standard climb gradient for a DP?

Answer 6

200 feet per nautical mile (FPNM).

Ref: AIM 5-2-8

Question 7

Do you need a clearance to fly an ODP or SID? Must you accept a DP?

Answer 7

ODP: Does not require a clearance but should be notified if used.

SID: Requires clearance and may be refused if “No SID” is filed in the flight plan.

Ref: AIM 5-2-8

Question 8

How do you know if an airport has an ODP?

Answer 8

Look for the text “Obstacle Departure Procedure” in the Takeoff Minimums section of the Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP).

Ref: AIM 5-2-8

Question 9

What three rules guarantee obstruction clearance on an ODP?

Answer 9

Cross departure end of the runway (DER) at least 35 feet AGL.

Climb to 400 feet AGL before turning.

Maintain 200 FPNM or the published climb gradient.

Ref: AIM 5-2-8

Question 10

Have the student present a DP and discuss how they would fly it.

Answer 10

Review the chart, including route, climb gradient, and altitude requirements. Discuss procedures for compliance and contingencies for non-compliance.

Question 11

You are currently flying at 3,000 feet. ATC tells you to climb to 6,000 feet. Describe the recommended climb procedure. (AIM 4-4-10)

Answer 11

Begin a steady climb at the recommended rate. If unable to maintain at least 500 FPM, notify ATC immediately. Level off smoothly at 6,000 feet and advise ATC.

Ref: AIM 4-4-10

Question 12

During your departure, while flying an ODP, you hear the controller state, “Radar contact.” Does this mean that ATC will now provide terrain and obstacle clearance for your flight? (AIM 5-2-8)

Answer 12

No. “Radar contact” only confirms that ATC has identified you on radar. Pilots remain responsible for obstacle clearance when following an ODP unless otherwise advised by ATC.

Ref: AIM 5-2-8

Question 13

What are the types of hold entries? (AIM 5-3-8)

Answer 13

Direct Entry: Fly directly into the holding pattern.

Parallel Entry: Cross the fix, turn parallel to the inbound leg, then intercept.

Teardrop Entry: Fly a 30° course outbound, then intercept the inbound leg.

Ref: AIM 5-3-8

Question 14

What are the maximum holding speeds? (AIM 5-3-7)

Answer 14

Up to 6,000 feet MSL: 200 knots.

6,001 to 14,000 feet MSL: 230 knots.

Above 14,000 feet MSL: 265 knots.

Exceptions may apply based on charted instructions.

Ref: AIM 5-3-7

Question 15

How do you time a hold? For how long?

Answer 15

Below 14,000 feet: 1-minute legs.

Above 14,000 feet: 1.5-minute legs.

Timing begins when over or abeam the holding fix. If abeam cannot be determined, start timing when outbound.

Ref: AIM 5-3-8

Question 16

What is the length for a standard holding pattern?

Answer 16

4 NM diameter, but may vary based on ATC or charted instructions.

Ref: AIM 5-3-7

Question 17

What is a standard turn in a hold?

Answer 17

Right-hand turns unless otherwise specified.

Ref: AIM 5-3-7

Question 18

What is a clearance limit?

Answer 18

The fix, airport, or point where a clearance ends. If not the destination, expect further clearance.

Ref: AIM 4-4-3

Question 19

Why is EFC time important?

Answer 19

“Expect Further Clearance” (EFC) time provides a backup plan in case of lost communications, ensuring proper holding duration.

Ref: AIM 5-3-7

Question 20

Define a STAR? What is its purpose?

Answer 20

Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR): Simplifies arrival transitions from enroute to approach.

Ref: AIM 5-4-1

Question 21

What is a STAR normally named after?

Answer 21

Named after waypoints, fixes, or landmarks associated with the arrival route.

Ref: AIM 5-4-1

Question 22

Are you required to accept a STAR?

Answer 22

No. Pilots may file “No STAR” in the remarks section of their flight plan to opt out.

Ref: AIM 5-4-1

Question 23

What are the IFR cruising altitudes? Are they true or magnetic?

Answer 23

Based on magnetic course:

0°–179°: Odd thousands.

180°–359°: Even thousands.

Ref: FAR 91.179

Question 24

Define the following altitudes, and what they guarantee or provide:

MEA
MOCA
MAA
MORA
MCA
MRA
MSA
MVA

Answer 24

MEA: Minimum Enroute Altitude, ensures obstacle clearance and navigational signal reception.

MOCA: Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude, obstacle clearance within 22 NM of the facility.

MAA: Maximum Authorized Altitude, prevents overlapping signals.

MORA: Minimum Off-Route Altitude, ensures obstacle clearance off-airways.

MCA: Minimum Crossing Altitude, altitude to cross a fix.

MRA: Minimum Reception Altitude, ensures navaid signal reception.

MSA: Minimum Safe Altitude, obstacle clearance within a certain radius of a navaid.

MVA: Minimum Vectoring Altitude, lowest ATC-assigned altitude ensuring obstruction clearance.

Ref: AIM 5-6-5

Question 25

If no minimum altitude is prescribed, what minimum altitudes apply for IFR operations? (91.177)

Answer 25

Over non-mountainous areas: 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 4 NM.

Over mountainous areas: 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 4 NM.

Ref: FAR 91.177

Question 26

If you are about to transition to an area where there is a higher minimum IFR altitude, when should you begin to climb? (91.177)

Answer 26

Start the climb before reaching the boundary of the higher minimum altitude area.

Ref: FAR 91.177

Question 27

What is considered a mountainous area?

Answer 27

Defined in FAR Part 95. Primarily based on terrain that significantly affects navigation and obstacle clearance.

Ref: FAR 91.177, Part 95