Cross Country Flight Planning Flashcards
What are three common ways to navigate?
a. pilotage - reference to visual land markings
b. dead reckoning - computing direction and distance from a known position
c. Radio navigation
What type of aeronautical charts are available for VFR navigation?
a. Sectional Charts - visual navigation of slow to medium speed aircraft
b. VFR terminal area charts - depict the class B airspace
c. VFR flyway planning charts - printed on the reverse side of a TAC. They depict flight paths and altitudes recommended for use to bypass high traffic areas.
Are electronic flight bags (EFBs) approved for use as a replacement for paper reference material (POH and supplements, charts)
Yes. EFBs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper reference material when the information displayed is the functional equivalent of the paper reference material replaced and is current, up to date, adn valid. It is recommended that a secondary or backup sources of aeronautical information necessary for the flight be available.
What is an isogonic line?
broken magnetic line on aeronautical charts that show the amount and direction of magnetic variation
What is magnetic variation?
angle between true north and magnetic north
How do you convert a true direction to a magnetic direction?
East is least (subtract)
West is best (add)
What are lines of latitude and longitude?
Lines that are parallel to the equator (latitude). Lines that go from north pole to south pole (longitude)
What is magnetic deviation?
Compass needle had frequently deflected (called deviation) when influenced by engine instruments and avionics.
What are several types of navigation aids?
VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range)
VORTAC (VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation)
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
RNAV (Area Navigation) includes INS, VOR/DME-referenced and GPS
What is a VOR or VORTAC?
VORs are VHF radio station that project radials in all directions from the station. Each radial is denoted by its outbound magnetic direction. Almost all VOR stations will also be VORTACS. A VORTAC provides the standard briefing of a VOR plus distance information to pilots of airplanes which have the distance measuring equipment?
At what frequency range do VORs operate?
between 108 and 117.95 MHz
What is a VOR radial?
A radial is a line of magnetic bearing extending from an omnidirectional range> A VOR projects 360 radials from the station. The radials are always identified by their direction “from” the station.
How are VOR NAVAIDs classified?
Terminal, Low, High
What reception distances can be expected from the various class VORs?
Class Distance/Altitudes Miles T 12,000 and below 25 L Below 18,000 40 H Below 18,000 40 H 14,500 - 17,999 100 (counterminous 48 states only) H 18,000 - FL450 130 H Above FL450 100
What limitations, it any, apply to VOR reception?
VORs are subject to line-of-sight restrictions, and the range varies proportionally to the altitude of the receiving equipment.
What are the different methods for checking the accuracy of VOR receiver equipment?
VOR check - plus of minus 4 degrees
Ground checkpoint - plus of minus 4 degrees
Airborne checkpoint - plus or minus 6 degrees
Dual VOR check - 4 degrees between each other
Selected radial over a known ground point - plus of minus 6 degrees
What is DME?
Distance Measuring Equipment - used to measure, in nautical miles, the slant range distance of an aircraft from the DME navigational aid. Aircraft equipped with DME are provided with distance and ground speed info when receiving a VOR or TACAN facility. DME operates on frequencies in the IHF spectrum between 960 and 1215 MHz.
Give a brief explanation of GPS.
GPS is a satellite-based radio navigation system that broadcasts a signal used by receivers to determine a precise position anywhere in the world.
What are the three functional elements of GPS?
Space element - consists of 30 satellites
Control element - consists of a network of ground-based GPS monitoring and control stations that ensure the accuracy of satellite position and their clocks
User element - consists of antennas and receiver-processors onboard aircraft that provide positioning, velocity, and precise timing of the user.
What are the different types of GPS receivers available for use?
GPS receivers used for VFR navigation vary from fully integrated IFR/VFR installations, to handheld devices. Pilots must understand the limitations of the receiver prior to using in flight to avoid misusing navigation info.
What is the purpose of RAIM?
Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) is a self-monitoring function performed by a GPS receiver to ensure that adequate GPS signals are being received from the satellites at all times. The GPS will alert the pilot whenever the integrity monitoring determines that the GPS signals do not meet the criteria for safe navigational use.
Where can a pilot obtain RAIM availability info?
Pilot may obtain GPS RAIM availability info by using a manufacturer-supplied RAIM prediction tool, or using the Service Availability Prediction Tool on the FAA enroute and terminal RAIM prediction website. Pilots can also request GPS RAIM aeronautical info from an FSS during preflight briefings.
If RAIM capability is lost during flight, can you continue to use GPS for navigation?
Without RAIM capability, the pilot has no reassurance of the accuracy of the GPS position. This prevents the pilot from being alerted to the loss of the required number of satellites in view, or the detection of a position error.
Before conducting a flight using GPS equipment for navigation, what basic preflight checks should be made?
a. Verify the GPS equipment is properly installed and certified for the planned operation
b. Verify that the databases have not expired
c. Review the GPS NOTAM/RAIM info related to the planned route of flight
d. Review operational status of ground based NAVAIDs and related aircraft equipment appropriate to route of flight
e. Determine that the GPS receiver operation manual or airplane flight manual supplement is onboards and available for use
How can a pilot determine what type of operation a GPS receiver is approved for?
The pilot should reference the POH/AFM and supplements to determine the limitations and operating procedures for the particular GPS equipment installed. Most systems require that the avionics operations manual/handbook be onboard as a limitation of use.
During a preflight briefing, will the FSS briefer automatically provide a pilot with GPS NOTAMS?
No, you must specifically request them
How many satellites does a GPS receiver require to compute its position?
3 satellites - yields a latitude and longitude position only
4 satellites - yields a latitude, longitude, and altitude position (3D)
5 satellites - 3D and RAIM
6 satellites - 3D and RAIM (isolates corrupt signal and removes from navigation solution)
What is WAAS?
Wide Area Augmentation System is a ground and satellite integrated navigational error correction system that provides accuracy enhancements to signals received from the GPS.
What limitations should you be aware of when using a paramount VFR GPS or a hand-held VFR GPS system for navigation?
a. RAIM capability - Many VFR GPS receivers and all hand-held units have no RAIM alerting capability. Loss of the required number of satellites in view, or the detection of a position error cannot be displayed to the pilot by such receivers.
b. Database currency - In many receivers, an updatable database is used for navigation fixes, airports, and instrument procedures. These databases must be maintained to the current update for IFR operation, but no such requirement exists for VFR use.
c. Antenna location - In many VFR installations of GPS receivers, antenna location is more a matter of convenience than performance. Handheld GPS receiver antenna location is limited to the cockpit or cabin only and is rarely optimized to provide a clear view of available satellites. Loss of signal, couples with a lack of RAIM capability, could present erroneous position and navigation information with no warning to the pilot.
Define VFR Waypoint
provides pilots with a supplementary tool to assist with positional awareness while navigating visually in and aircraft equipped with area navigation receivers.
1 Nautical Mile = __________ Statute Miles
1.15
Flight Log Example, VFR Flight Plan:
a. Get a preflight briefing consisting of the latest or most current weather, airport, and enroute NAVAID information
b. Draw course lines and mark checkpoints on the chart
c. Enter checkpoints on the log
d. Enter NAVAIDs on the log
e. Enter VOR courses on the log
f. Enter altitude on the log
g. Enter the wind and temperature on the log
h. Measure the true course on the chart and enter it on the log.
i. Compute the true airspeed and enter it on the log
j. Compute the WCA and GS and enter it on the log
k. Determine variation from chart and enter it on the log
l. Determine deviation from compass correction card and enter it on the log
m. Enter the compass heading on the log.
n. Measure distances on the chart and enter them on the log
o. Figure ETE and ETA and enter them on the log
p. Calculate fuel burn and usage; enter them on the log
q. Compute weight and balance
r. Compute takeoff and landing performance
s. Complete a Flight Plan Form
t. File the Flight Plan with FSS
After takeoff, you attempt to activate your VFR flight plan, but are unable to contact FSS. What will happen to your filed flight plan?
When a VFR flight plan is filed, it is held by FSS until 1 hour after the proposed departure time, then it is canceled.
What actions should be taken if you become disoriented or lost on a cross country flight?
Condition 1: Plenty of Fuel
Straighten up and fly right, Fly a specific heading in a direction you believe is correct (or circle if unsure); don’t wander aimlessly
If you have been flying a steady compass heading and keeping a relatively accurate navigation log, it’s not likely you’ll have a problem locating your position
If several VOR’s are within reception distance, use them for a cross-bearing to determine the position or fly to the station - there’s no doubt where you are then
Use knowledge of your last known position, elapsed time, approximate wind direction, and ground speed, to establish how far you may have traveled since your last checkpoint
Use this distance as a radius to draw a semicircle ahead of your last known position on the chart.
If still unsure, loosen up the eyeballs and start some first-class pilotage. Look for something big. Often there will be linear figures such as rivers, mountain ranges, or prominent highways or railroads that can be used as easy references and thus find them of great value in fixing your approximate position.
Condition 2: Low on fuel
Get on the ground immediately
If it becomes apparent that you cannot locate your position, which action is recommended?
FAA’s 4 C’s
Climb - higher altitude allows for better communication ability and better visual range
Communication - Use 121.5 MHz if no other frequency’s work.
Confess - Once communications are established, let them know your problem
Comply - Follow instructions
When en route on a cross country flight, weather has deteriorated and it has become necessary to divert to an alternate airport. Assuming no GPS or DME capability, describe how you will navigate to the alternate.
- After selecting the alternate, approximate the magnetic course to the alternate using a straightedge and a compass rose from a nearby VOR or an airway that closely parallels my direction from the alternate
- I can use the straight edge and scale at the bottom to approximate a distance to the alternate. I can fine-tune this course and distance later, as time permits, with a plotter.
- If time permits, I’ll start my diversion over a prominent ground feature. However, in an emergency, I will divert promptly toward my alternate.
What is the most common type of communication radio equipment installed in GA aircraft? How many channels are available?
most common types are VHF. Channels vary from 118.0 to 136.975 MHz and is classified as 720 or 760, depending on the number of channels it can accommodate.
What us the universal VHF emergency frequency?
121.5 MHz
What frequencies are ground frequencies?
A majority are 121.6 to 121.9
What is a CTAF?
A CTAF (common traffic advisory frequency) is a frequency designated for the purpose of carrying out airport advisory practices while operating to or from an airport without an operating control tower.
What is UNICOM?
Non Government communication facility that provides airport information at certain airports.
What does ATIS mean?
Automatic Terminal Information System
What do you do when operating near an airport with no tower, UNICOM, of FSS?
Use the MULTICOM frequency 122.9
What frequencies are monitored by most FSS’s other than 121.5?
FSS has assigned frequencies for their different functions. If in doubt for what frequency to use, use 122.2 for common enroute simplex frequency at most FSS’s.
What is an RCO?
Remote communications outlet, an unmanned communications facility controlled by ATC personnel. Provides ground-to-ground communications between ATC and pilots located at satellite airports.
How can a pilot determine what frequency is appropriate for activating a VFR flight plan?
Two ways
a. ask the FSS briefer for the preflight weather briefing
b. Consult the communications section under flight service for the airport of departure
What is the meaning of a heavy-lined blue cox surrounding a NAVAID frequency?
indicates FSS frequencies
Why would a frequency be printed on top of a heavy line box?
This usually means that this frequency is available in addition to the standard FSS frequencies.
What is the meaning of a thin-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency?
No frequencies on top of box indicate that there are no standard FSS frequencies available. NAVAIDs will have “no voice” symbol.
Why would a frequency be printed on top of a thin-lined blue box?
Indicate the best frequencies to use in the immediate vicinity of the NAVAID site
How can a pilot determine the availability of HIWAS when looking at a VFR sectional chart?
Navaids that have HIWAS capability are depicted on sectional charts with an H in the upper right corner of the identification box.
What meaning does the letter T in a solid blue circle appearing in the top right corner of a NAVAID frequency box have?
(Alaska only) A transcribed weather broadcast is available. A TWEB is a continuous recording of meteorological and aeronautical information that is broadcast on L/MF and VOR facilities for pilots.
In an inflight emergency requires immediate action by the pilot, what authority and responsibilities do they have?
a. PIC is directly responsible, and is the final authority for the operations of the aircraft
b. In an inflight emergency requiring immediate action, the PIC may deviate from any rule in Part 91 to the extent required to meet that emergency
c. Each PIC who deviates from a Part 91 rule shall, upon request from the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the administrator
What restrictions apply to pilots concerning the use of drugs and alcohol?
No person may act or attempt to act as a crew member of a civil aircraft:
a. within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage;
b. while under the influence of alcohol
c. while using any drug that affects the person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety or
d. while having an alcohol concentration of .04 percent or more in a blood or breath specimen
Is it permissible for a pilot to allow a person who is obviously under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs to be carried aboard an aircraft?
No. Except in an emergency, no pilot of a civil aircraft may allow a person who appears to be intoxicated or who demonstrates by manner or physical indications that the individual is under the influence of drugs (except a medical patient under proper care) to be carried in the aircraft.
May portable electronic devices be operated onboard an aircraft?
Aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an aircraft operating under IFR may not allow operation of electronic devices onboard their aircraft. Exceptions are: portable voice recorders, hearing aids, heart pacemakers, electric shavers, or any device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.
Under what conditions may objects be dropped from an aircraft?
No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow any object to be dropped from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, this section does not prohibit the dropping of any object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.
Concerning a flight in the local area, is any preflight action required, and if so, what must it consist of?
Yes, pilot must familiarize with all available information concerning that flight.
Preflight action as required by regulation for all flights away from the vicinity of the departure airport shall include a review of what specific information?
For an IFR flight or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport
NOTAMS
Weather Reports and forecasts
Known ATC traffic delays
Runway lengths at airports of intended use
Alternatives available if planned flight cannot be completed
Fuel Requirements
Takeoff and Landing distance data
Which persons on board an aircraft are required to use seatbelts and when?
Each person on board a U.S. registered civil aircraft must occupy an approved seat or berth with a safety belt, and if installed, shoulder harness, properly secured about him or her during movement on the surface, takeoff and landing. However a person who has not reached his or her second birthday and does not occupy or use any restraining device may be held by an adult who is occupying a seat or berth, and a person on board for the purpose of engaging in sport parachuting may use the floor of the aircraft as a seat.
What responsibility does the pilot in command have concerning passengers and their use of seatbelt?
No pilot may take off a U.S. registered civil aircraft unless the pilot in command of that aircraft ensures that each person on board is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten that person’s safety belt and shoulder harness, if installed. The pilot in command shall ensure that all persons on board have been notified to fasten their seatbelt and shoulder harness, if installed, before movement of the aircraft on the surface, takeoff or landing.
When are flight crewmembers required to keep their seatbelts and shoulder harnesses fastned?
During takeoff and landing, and while en route, each required flight crew member shall keep his/her seatbelt fastened while at his/her station. During takeoff and landing this includes shoulder harnesses, if installed, unless it interferes with other required duties.
If aircraft in close proximity to each other, such as formation flight, what regulations apply?
a. No person may operate an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard
b. No person may operate an aircraft in formation flight except by arrangement with the PIC of each aircraft in the formation
c. No person may operate an aircraft, carrying passengers for hire in formation flight
What is the order of right of way as applied to the different categories of aircraft?
Balloons Gliders Airships Airplanes Rotorcraft Aircraft towing or refueling other aircraft have the right of way over all other engine driven aircraft.
When would an aircraft have the right of way over all other air traffic?
An aircraft in distress has the right of way over all other air traffic.
State the required action for each of the aircraft confrontations (same category), below.
Converging - aircraft on right has the right of way
Approaching head on - both aircraft shall alter course to right
Overtaking - aircraft being overtaken has the right of way; pilot or the overtaking aircraft shall alter course to the right
What right of way rules apply when two or more aircraft are approaching an aircraft for the purpose of landing?
Aircraft on final approach to land or while landing have the right of way over aircraft in flight or operating on the surface, except that they shall not take advantage of this rule to force an aircraft off the runway surface which has already landed and is attempting to make way for an aircraft on final approach. When two or more aircraft are approaching an airport for the purpose of landing, the aircraft at the lower altitude has the right of way, but it shall not take advantage of this rule to cut in front of another which is on final approach to land or to overtake that aircraft.
Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, what is the maximum indicated airspeed at which a person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL?
No person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed or more than 250 knots (288 MPH).
What is the minimum safe altitude that an aircraft may be operated over a congested area of a city?
Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft over an congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, below an altitude of 1,000ft above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000ft of the aircraft.
In areas other than congested areas, what minimums safe altitudes shall be used?
Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, an aircraft shall be operated no lower than 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.
Define minimum safe altitude.
An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.
What is the lowest altitude an aircraft may be operated over an area designated as a U.S wildlife refuge, park or forest service area?
All aircraft are requested to maintain a minimum altitude of 2000ft above the surface.
When flying below 18,000 ft MSL, cruising altitude must be maintained by reference to an altimeter set using what procedure?
When the barometric pressure is 31.00 Hg or less, each person operating an aircraft must maintain the cruising altitude of that aircraft by reference to an altimeter that is set to the current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft. If there is no station within this area, the current report altimeter setting of an available station may be used. If the barometric pressure exceeds 31.00 Hg, consul the aeronautical information manual for correct procedures.
If an altimeter setting is not available before the flight, what procedure should be used?
Use the same procedure as in the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio: the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure should be used.
When a pilot intentionally deviate from an ATC clearance or instruction?
No pilot may deviate from an ATC clearance unless:
a. an amended clearance has been obtained
b. an emergency exists,
c. or in response to a traffic and collision avoidance system resolution advisory
As pilot in command, what action, if any, is required of you if you deviate from an ATC instruction and priority is given?
Two actions are required of you as PIC:
a. Each pilot in command who, in an emergency or in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory, deviates from an ATC clearance or instruction must notify ATC of that deviation as soon as possible
b. Each pilot in command who is given priority by ATC in an emergency shall submit a detailed report of that emergency within 48 hours to the manager of that ATC facility, if requested by ATC (on the ground responsibility)
If the aircraft radio rails in flight under VFR while operating into a tower controlled airport, what conditions must be met before landing may be made at that airport?
a. Weather conditions must be at or above basic VFR weather minimums;
b. Visual contact with the tower is maintained; and
c. A clearance to land is received
What procedures should be used when attempting communications with a tower when the aircraft transmitter or receiver or both are inoperative?
Arriving aircraft receiver inoperative:
a. Remain outside or above Class D surface area
b. Determine direction and flow of traffic
c. Advise tower of aircraft type, position, altitude, and intention to land. Request to be controlled by light signals
d. At 3 to 5 miles, advise tower of position and join traffic pattern
e. Watch tower for light gun signals
Arriving aircraft transmitter inoperative
a. Remain outside or above Class D surface area
b. Determine direction and flow of traffic
c. Monitor frequency for landing or traffic information
d. Join the traffic pattern and watch for light gun signals
e. Daytime, acknowledge by rocking wings. Night Time, acknowledge by flashing landing light or navigation lights
Arriving aircraft transmitter and receiver inoperative
a. Remain outside or above Class D surface area
b. Determine direction and flow or traffic
c. Join the traffic pattern and watch for light gun signals
d. Acknowledge light signals as noted above
What general rules apply concerning traffic pattern operations at non tower airports within Class E or G airspace?
Each person operating an aircraft to or from an airport without an operating control tower shall:
a. in the case of an airplane approaching to land, make all turns of that airplane to the left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot shall make all turns to the right
b. in the case of an aircraft departing an airport, comply with any traffic patterns established for that airport in part 93
When operating in Class D airspace, what procedure should be used when approaching to land on a runway with a visual approach slope indicator?
Aircraft approaching to land on a runway served by a visual approach slope indicator shall maintain an altitude at or above the glide slope until a lower altitude is necessary for a safe landing.
What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight at night?
No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, at night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.
What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight during the day?
During the day, you must be able to fly to the first point of intended landing, and assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes.
When operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight at an altitude of more than 3,000 ft above the surface, what rules apply concerning specific altitudes flown?
When operating above 3000 feet AGL but less than 18,000 feet MSL on a magnetic course of 0 to 179, fly at an odd thousand foot MSL altitude plus 500 feet. When on a magnetic course of 180 to 359, fly at an even thousand foot MSL altitude plus 500 feet.
What is an ELT?
Emergency Locator Transmitter - radio transmitter attached to the aircraft structure which operates from its own power source on 121.5. it aids in locating downed aircraft by radiating a downward Sweeping audio town 2-4 times a second.
Is an emergency locator transmitter required on all aircraft?
No person may operate a U.S. registered civil aircraft unless there is attached to the airplane an automatic type emergency locator transmitter that is in operable condition. Several exceptions exist, including the following:
a. Aircraft engaged in training operations conducted entirely within a 50 nautical mile radius of the airport from which such local flight operations begin
b. Aircraft engaged in design and testing
c. New aircraft engaged in manufacture, preparation and delivery
d. Aircraft engaged in agricultural operations
When must the ELT batteries be replaced or recharged?
a. When the transmitter has been in use for more than 1 hour
b. When 50% of the battery’s useful life has expired
What are the regulations concerning use of supplemental oxygen on board an aircraft?
a. At cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet MSL up to and including 14,000 feet MSL: for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is more than 30 minutes, the required minimum flight crew must be provided with and use supplemental oxygen
b. At cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet MSL: for the entire flight time at those altitudes, the required flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen
c. At cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet MSL: each occupant is provided with supplemental oxygen
When is acrobatic flight not permitted?
a. over congested areas
b. Over an open air assembly
c. Within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, C, D, or E boundaries
d. Within 4 nautical miles of the center line of a federal airway
e. Below an altitude of 1,500 AGL
f. When flight visibility is less than 3 miles
Define acrobatic flight.
An intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in the aircraft’s attitude, abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration
When are parachutes required on an aircraft?
No person may execute the following maneuvers unless each occupant is wearing a parachute:
a. bank angle of 60 or more
b. nose-up or nose-down pitch of 30 relative to the horizon
Regulation does not apply to:
a. test pilots for pilot certification
b. spins and other flight maneuvers requiring for any certificate or rating when given instruction
What is Class A airspace?
Generally, that airspace from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous states and alaska; and designated international airspace beyond 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska within areas of domestic radio navigational signal or ATC radar coverage, and within which domestic procedures are applied.
Can a flight under VFR be conducted within Class A airspace?
No, unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each person operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must operate that aircraft under instrument flight rules (IFR).
What is the minimum pilot certification for operations conducted within Class A airspace?
The pilot must be at least a private pilot with an instrument rating.
