Cross-country Flight Planning Flashcards
What are the tree common ways to navigate
Pilotage by reference to visible landmarks
Dead reckoning by computing direction and distance from a known position
Radio navigation by using radio aids
What types of aeronautical charts are available for use in VFR navigation
sectional charts - visual navigation for slow to medium speed A/C. 1” = 6.86 NM. Revised every 6 months
VFR terminal area charts - Depict the class B airspace. Similar to sectional charts but with more detail. 1” = 3.43 NM revised every 6 months
VFR Flyway Planning Charts - Printed on the reverse side of a TAC chart. Show flight paths and alt. recommended to bypass high traffic areas
Are EFB approved for use as a replacement for paper reference material, POH and supplements, charts etc.
Yes, EFBs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper. Recommended to have a secondary or backup source of information such as paper or another EFB device
What is an isogonic line
Broken magenta lines connect points of equal magnetic variation. They show the amount and direction of magnetic variation which from time to time may vary
What is magnetic variation
Variation is the angle between true north and magnetic north. Shown in E or W variation depending upon whether magnetic north is to the east or west of true north
How do you convert a true direction to a magnetic direction
Note variation shows by the nearest isogonic line
East is leasts - subtract
West is best - add
What are lines of latitude and longitued
Latitude - east to west parallel to equator measure distance from equator N or S
Longitude go N S and at a right angle to equator
What are lines of latitude and longitued
Latitude - east to west parallel to equator measure distance from equator N or S
Longitude go N S and at a right angle to equator
What is magnetic deviation
Due to magnetic influence within the A/C (radios, light etc) the compass is deflected from its normal reading.. This is called deviation. The value is found on the deviation card located in the A/C
Name several types of navigational aids
VOR - Very hight frequency omnidirectional Range
VORTAC - VHF omnidirectional range / tactical air navigation
DMS - Distance measuring equipment
RNAV - area navigation includes INS, VOR/DME and GPS
What is a VOR or VORTAc
Radio stations that project radial in all directions from the station. Each radio is donated by an outbound magnetic direction. Almost all VORs are VORTAC which provides the standard bearing information plus distance information to pilot with airplane that have DME
Within what frequency range do VORs operate
VHF 108 - 117.95 right below aviation comm frequencies
What is a VOR radial
Line of magnetic bearing extending form a VOR. Always identified by their direction from the station. Regardless of heading an A/C on the 360 radio will always be north of the station
How are VOR NAVAIDs classified
Terminal, Low, and high
What reception distances can be expected from the various class VOR
T - 12,000' and below 25 miles L - below 18K' 40 miles H - below 18K' 40 miles H - 14.5 - 17,999' 100 miles with in the lower 48 H - FL180 - FL450 130 miles H - Above FL450 100 miles
What limitations if any apply to VOR reception distance
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
VOT check +/- 4 degrees Ground check point within 4 degrees Airborne checkpoint within 6 degrees Dual VOR check 4 degrees between each selected radial over a known ground point within 6 degrees
What is DME
distance measuring equipment. used to measure in NM the slant range distance of an A/C from the DME NAVAID. A/C equipped with DME are provided with distance and GS. Operate on UFH 960 - 1215 MHz
Give a brief explanation of GPS
satellite based radio navigation system that broadcasts a signal used by receivers to determine a precise position anywhere in the world. Tracks multiple satellites to determine position
What are the three functional elements of GPS
space element - 30 satellites
control element - ground based GPS monitoring and control stations to ensure accuracy of satellites
user element - antennas and receiver processor on the A/C providing positioning, velocity, and precise timing
What are the different types of GPS receivers available
Fully integrated IFR/VFR to hand held devices. Pilots must understand the limitations of the receivers prior to using in flight
What is the purpose of RAIM
Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring 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. GPS will alert pilot when signal is not good enough for navigation
Where can a pilot obtain RAIM availability information
Manufacturer supplied RAIM prediction tool
Service Availability Prediction tool from the FAA
FSS during preflight
If RAIM capability is lost in-flight can you continue to use GPS for navigation
Without RAIM a pilot cannot assure accuracy of the position. VFR only or hand held GPS do not have RAIM and will not alert the pilot of issues
Before conducting a flight using GPS equipment for nav, what basic preflight checks should be made
Verify GPS is correctly installed
Verify the DB is up to date
Get GPS NOTAM/RAIM info related to route in flight
Review operational status of radio navaids in flight an A/C equipment checks
GPS operational manual or AFM are onboard the A/C
How can a pilot determine what type of operation a GPS receiver is approved for
Check the POH/AFM to find the limitations and operating procedures for the GPS installed
During a preflight briefing, will the FSS briefer automatically provide a pilot with GPS NOTAMS
No, you must ask for GPS/WAAS NOTAMs
How many satellites does a GPS receiver require to compute its position
3 - 2D lat and long position
4 - 3D lat, long and alt
5 - 3D and RAIM
6 - 3D and RAIM isolates corrupt signal and removes from nav
What is WAAS
Wide area augmentation system is a ground and satellite integrated NAV error correction system that provides accuracy enhancement to signals received from GPS.
What limitations should you be aware of when using a panel mount VFR GPS or a hand-held VFR GPS system for navigation
RAIM - many VFR systems do not have RAIM
Database currency - VFR updates to database is not required only for IFR. Database may be outdate
Antenna location - not optimized for a clear view of satellites could show error in position
Define the term VFR waypoint
Supplementary tool to assist with position awareness while navigating visually in A/C with area navigation receivers such as GPS. They provide navigational aids for pilots not familiar with the area, waypoint definition of existing reporting points, enhanced navigation in an around Class B and C airspace, and around special use airspace. VFR waypoint names consist of a 5-letter identifier beginning with VP and are retrievable from nav databases; they should be used only when operating under VFR conditions
Speed formula given time and distance
Speed = Distance / Time
First convert minutes to decimal by dividing by 60
Time formula given speed and distance
Time = Distance / Speed
Convert time from decimal by multiplying by 60
Distance formula given speed and time
Distance = Speed X Time
First convert time to a decimal by dividing by 60
How many gallons of fuel given burn rate and time
Convert minutes to a decimal by dividing by 60
Then burn rate X time in decimal = gallons consumed
E6B = Required > Fuel
What is the rate of burn given time and fuel consumed
Convert minutes to a decimal by dividing by 60
Gallons Consumed / Time in decimal = Gallons per hour
E6B = Flight > FPH
How much time do you have given burn rate and consumed fuel
Consumed Gallons / Burn rate
Then take decimal and multiply by 60
E6B = Flight > Endur
Find TAS given altitude, temp, and IAS
E6B = Speed > Plan TAS
Nautical Miles to Statues Miles
NM X 1.151 = SM
Quarts of oil to pounds
(Quarts / 4) X 7.5 = pounds of oil
Gallons of fuel to pounds
Fuel X 6 = pounds of fuel
F to C
(F-32) 0.555 = C
Knots to MPH
Knot X 1.151 = MPH
Find Ground speed and true heading
E6B = HDG/GS > HDG/GS
After takeoff, you attempt to activate your VFR flight plan but are unable to contact the FSS. What will happen to your flight plan
It will be cancelled after 1 h of proposed departure time
What actions should be taken if you become disoriented or lost on a cross-country flight
Fly a heading you feel is correct or circle. Don’t wonder aimlessly
if you kept a nav log and steady compass heading you shouldn’t have an issue finding your position
Find VOR’s and find your position or fly to the station
Knowledge of last known position, elapsed time, wind direction, and ground speed to establish how far you have traveled since your last checkpoint
Use the distance as a radius and draw a semicircle ahead of your last known position on a chart
Look for something big, highways, rivers, mountains, water towers with town names, railroads etc
Lost: low on fuel, bad weather, no experience, night, equipment malfunctioning
Get it on the ground. People on the ground know where they are at and you do not
If you cannot find your position what action is next
Climb - Higher alt. = better comm and visibility
Communicate - 121.5
Confess - Let ATC/FSS know you are lost
Comply - Follow their instructions
How to get to an alternate with no GPS or DME
Approximate the magnetic course using a straight edge and a compass rose from a nearby VOR
Use ruler and scale to approximate distance
If there is time start to deviate over a prominent ground feature
Once on new course note time and winds aloft to calculate heading, GS, then ETA and fuel consumption
Prioritize flying the A/C then nav and planning
To determine alt consider cloud heights, winds, terrain, and radio reception
What is the most common type of communication radio equipment installed in general aviation aircraft, how many channels are available
VHF
Frequencies between 118-136.975 MHz
Classified as 720 or 760 depending on the number of channels
720 = 135.975 and 760 up to 136.975
What is the universal VHF ER frequency
121.5
What frequencies are used for ground
121.6 - 121.9
What is a CTAF
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
Used for comm at non-towered airports can be a unicom or multicomm or tower frequency check chart suppliment
What is UNICOM and what frequencies is it on
Non-gov communication facility which may provide airport information at certain airports
Normally used 122.7 122.725 122.8 122.975 123 123.05 123.075
What does ATIS mean
automatic terminal information service recorded non control information to relieve frequency congestion
If operating into an airport without an operating control tower, FSS, or UNICOM what procedure should be followed
Use MULTICOM 122.9 for self-announce procedures.
What frequencies are monitored by most FSS other than 121.5
In Alaska 123.6 or other that can be found in the chart supplement. You can also use 122.2
What is an RCO
Remote Communication Outlet is an unmanned comm facility remotely controlled by ATC established to provide ground-to-ground comm for pilots at satellite airport
How can a pilot determine what frequency is appropriate for activating his/her VFR flight plan once airborn
Two way
Ask FSS during the weather briefing
Consul the comm section for the airport of departure in the chart supplement
What is the meaning of a heavy-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency
Indicates FSS frequencies 121.5 122.2 243 255.4 are available
Why would a frequency be printed on top of a heavy-lined box
Usually means that frequency is available in addition to the standard ones
What is the meaning of a thin-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency
Means no standard frequencies are available and will have a NO VOICE symbol underlined under the ffrequency
Why would a frequency be printed on top of a thin-lined blue box
Best frequencies to use near the NAVAID.
They will normally have an R which means the pilot Tx on that frequency and Rx on the NAVAID frequency
How can a pilot determine the availability of HIWAS when looking at a VFR sectional chart
The NAVAID will have a an H in the upper-right corner of the box
What meaning does the letter T in a solid blue circle appearing in the to right corner of a NAVAID frequency box have
Alaska only - Transcribed weather Broadcast is available. TWEB.
If an inflight emergency requires immediate action by the pilot, what authority and responsibilities does the pilot have
PIC is responsible for an final authority as to the operation of the A/C
PIC may deviate from any rule in part 91 to the extent required to meet the ER
The PIC shall write a written report to the FAA explaining the deviation if requested
What restrictions apply to pilots concerning the use of drugs and alcohol
No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember:
Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage
While under the influence of alcohol
while using any drugs that affect the person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety
while having a BAC of .04% or more in blood or breath specimen
Is it permissible for a pilot to allow a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to be carried aboard an aircraft
No, except in an ER, no pilot 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
A/C 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 other 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 PIC may allow any object to be dropped from an 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, pilots must familiarize themselves with all available information concerning that flight, including runway lengths at airports of intended use, and takeoff and landing distance data under existing conditions
Preflight actions as required by regulation for all flights away from the vicinity of the departure airport shall included a review of what specific information
For a flight under IFR or not in the vicinity of an airport
N - NOTAMS W - weather reports and forecasts K - Known ATC traffic delays R - Runway lengths at airports of intended use A - Alternatives available F - Fuel requirements T - Takeoff and landing distance data
Which persons on board an aircraft are required to use seatbelts and when
any person 2yo or older must occupy an approve seat or berth with safety belt, and if installed, shoulder harness, properly secured during movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing.
Under 2yo may be held by an adult
People engaging in sport parachuting may use the floor as a seat
What responsibility does the PIC have concerning passengers and their use of seatbelts
No pilot may takeoff unless the PIC ensures that each person on board is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten that person’s safety belt and shoulder harness.
PIC shall ensure that all persons onboard have been notified to fasten their seatbelt and shoulder harness before movement of the A/C on the surface, T/O, and LND
When are flight crew members required to keep their seatbelts and shoulder harnesses fastened
During T/O and LND, and while en route, each required flight crewmember shall keep their seatbelts fastened while at their station. During T/O and LDN this includes the shoulder harness unless it interferes with other required duties
If operating an aircraft in close proximity to another such as formation flight, what regulations apply
No person may operate an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard
No person may operate an aircraft in formation flight unless first arranged with the PIC of each aircraft in the formation
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
A/C towing or refueling other A/C have the right-of-way over all other engine-driven A/C
When would an aircraft have the right-of-way over all other air traffic
When the A/C has declared an ER
Right of way for converging aircraft
Aircraft on right has the right of way
Right of way for Approaching head-on
both A/C shall alter course to right
Right of way overtaking an aircraft
A/C being overtaken has the right-of-way; pilot of the overtaking A/C shall alter course to the right
What right-of-way rules apply when two or more A/C are approaching an airport for the purpose of landing
A/C on approach to land or while landing have the right of way over any A/C in flight or on the surface except that they cannot take advantage of this rule to force an A/C off the runway surface which has already landed
When 2 or more A/C are approaching an airpot the A/C at the lower altitude has the right of way but it shall not take advantage of the rule to cut in front of another A/C on final or to overtake another A/C
Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, what is the maximum indicated airspeed at which a person may operate an aircraft below 10K MSL
250 Knots
What is the minimum safe altitude that an aircraft may be operated over a congested area of a city
No person may operate an A/C over a congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open-air assembly of persons, below and altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft
In areas other than congested areas, what minimum safe altitudes shall be used
No lower than 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the A/C 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 US wildlife refuge, park or forest service area
All A/C are requested to maintain 2,000 feet AGL
When flying below FL180 cruising altitude must be maintained by reference to an altimeter set using what procedure
When pressure is 31.00” Hg or less each person operating an A/C 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 an within 100 NM.
If there is no station within this area, the current reported altimeter setting of an available station may be used. If the pressure exceed 31.00” Hg check the AIM for correct procedures
If an altimeter setting is not available before flight, what procedure should be used
Used 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 may a pilot intentionally deviate from an ATC clearance or instruction
An amended clearance has been obtained
In an ER
in response to TCAS advisory
As PIC what action if any is required of you if you deviate from an ATC instruction and priority is given
Each PIC who deviate must notify the ATC as soon as possible
If given priority in an ER the PIC must submit a detailed report of the ER within 48h to the ATC facility manager, if requested by ATC
If the aircraft radio fails under VFR while operating into a tower airport, what conditions must be met before a landing may be made at that airport
Wx must be at or above basic VFR minimums
Visual contact with the tower is maintained
Landing clearance is received
Procedure when arriving with Receiver InOp
Remain outside or above Class D surface area
Determine direction and flow of traffic
Advise tower of A/C type, position, alt. and intention to land
Ask for light signals
At 3 to 5 miles advise tower of position and join TP
Watch tower for light gun signals
Procedure when arriving with Transmitter InOp
Remain outside or above Class D surface area
Determine direction and flow of traffic
Monitor frequency for landing or traffic information
Join the traffic pattern and watch for flight gun signals
Daytime ACK by rocking wings, Night ACK by flashing landing or nav lights
Procedure when arriving NORAD
Remain outside or above Class D surface area
Determine direction and flow of traffic
Join the TP and what for light signals
Daytime ACK by rocking wings, Night ACK by flashing landing or nav lights
What general rules apply concerning traffic pattern operations at non-tower airport within class E or G airspace
Each person operating an A/C To/From an non-towered airport shall:
Landing
Make all turns to the left unless airport displays approved light signals or markings showing traffic is to the right
Takeoff
Comply with any TP 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 VASI
Maintain an alt. at or above the glide slope until a lower alt. is needed for a safe landing
What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight at night
Enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and 45min after that
What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight during the day
Enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and 30min after that
When flying VFR at 3,000’ AGL what rules apply concerning specific altitudes flown
0-179 - Odd thousands plus 500
180 - 359 - Even thousands plus 500
What is an ELT
Emergency Location Transmitter
Radio beacon with its own power source operating on 121.5, 243.0 and 406 MHz
Activated on impact
Serves to help locate downed A/C
Can be tested only during the first 5min after any hour
Digital 406 MHz should be tested only as specified by manufacturer
Is an ELT required on all A/C
All A/C need an ELT except for
Training aircraft that fly only within 50NM of the airport
A/C engaged in design and testing
New A/C engaged in preparation and delivery
A/C engaged in agricultural operations
When must the batteries in an ELT be replaced or recharged, if rechargable
When the ELT has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hour or
50% of the batteries useful life has expired
What are the regulations concerning use of supplemental oxygen on board an aircraft
12,500 - 14,000 MSL for the part of the flight at those alt. that is more than 30 min - min. required flight crew must have O2
14,000 MSL - the required flight crew has 02 for the whole duration of the flight
15,000 MSL - all occupants of the A/C have O2
According to regulations, where is aerobatic flight of an aircraft not permitted
Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement
Over an open air assembly of persons
Within Class B, C, D, or E airspace
Within 4NM of the centerline of a federal airway
Below 1,500’ above the surface
When vis. is less than 3SM
Define aerobatic flight
Intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an A/C attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration, not necessary for normal flight
When are parachutes required on board an A/C
When intentionally banking the A/C beyond 60 degrees or pitching up/down 30 degrees
Does not apply for flight test for pilot certs
Spins and other flight maneuvers required by the regulations
What is Class A airspace
Airspace from FL180 to FL600 including airspace within 12 NM of the coast
Can a flight under VFR be conducted within Class A airspace
No, unless otherwise authorized by ATc
What is the minimum pilot certification for operations conducted within Class A airspace
PPL and IFR rating
