Compliance with Departure, Enroute, and Arrival Procedures Flashcards
What are the components of a basic IFR departure clearance?
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
What is a clearance void time?
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
What are DPs? (AIM 5-2-9)
Departure Procedures (DPs): Preplanned IFR procedures that provide obstacle clearance and facilitate efficient air traffic flow.
What are the types of DPs?
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
What is the primary purpose of an ODP? SID?
ODP: Provides obstacle clearance.
SID: Facilitates ATC handling and reduces workload for both pilots and controllers.
Ref: AIM 5-2-9
What is considered the standard climb gradient for a DP?
200 feet per nautical mile (FPNM).
Ref: AIM 5-2-8
Do you need a clearance to fly an ODP or SID? Must you accept a DP?
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
How do you know if an airport has an ODP?
Look for the text “Obstacle Departure Procedure” in the Takeoff Minimums section of the Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP).
Ref: AIM 5-2-8
What three rules guarantee obstruction clearance on an ODP?
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
Have the student present a DP and discuss how they would fly it.
Review the chart, including route, climb gradient, and altitude requirements. Discuss procedures for compliance and contingencies for non-compliance.
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)
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
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)
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
What are the types of hold entries? (AIM 5-3-8)
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
What are the maximum holding speeds? (AIM 5-3-7)
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
How do you time a hold? For how long?
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
What is the length for a standard holding pattern?
4 NM diameter, but may vary based on ATC or charted instructions.
Ref: AIM 5-3-7
What is a standard turn in a hold?
Right-hand turns unless otherwise specified.
Ref: AIM 5-3-7
What is a clearance limit?
The fix, airport, or point where a clearance ends. If not the destination, expect further clearance.
Ref: AIM 4-4-3
Why is EFC time important?
“Expect Further Clearance” (EFC) time provides a backup plan in case of lost communications, ensuring proper holding duration.
Ref: AIM 5-3-7
Define a STAR? What is its purpose?
Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR): Simplifies arrival transitions from enroute to approach.
Ref: AIM 5-4-1
What is a STAR normally named after?
Named after waypoints, fixes, or landmarks associated with the arrival route.
Ref: AIM 5-4-1
Are you required to accept a STAR?
No. Pilots may file “No STAR” in the remarks section of their flight plan to opt out.
Ref: AIM 5-4-1
What are the IFR cruising altitudes? Are they true or magnetic?
Based on magnetic course:
0°–179°: Odd thousands.
180°–359°: Even thousands.
Ref: FAR 91.179
Define the following altitudes, and what they guarantee or provide:
MEA
MOCA
MAA
MORA
MCA
MRA
MSA
MVA
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
If no minimum altitude is prescribed, what minimum altitudes apply for IFR operations? (91.177)
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
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)
Start the climb before reaching the boundary of the higher minimum altitude area.
Ref: FAR 91.177
What is considered a mountainous area?
Defined in FAR Part 95. Primarily based on terrain that significantly affects navigation and obstacle clearance.
Ref: FAR 91.177, Part 95
