Cross Country Flight Planning

Question 1

Why did you choose this certain altitude?

Answer 1

Efficiency, Safety, stability

Question 2

What’s the difference between VFR and IFR altitudes?

Answer 2

• IFR altitudes are every thousand feet.
• VFR altitudes and every thousand feet plus 500.

Question 3

What are IFR fuel reserve requirements?

Answer 3

Enough fuel to make it to your initial intended airport then to your alternate with an additional 45 minutes of fuel reserve.

Question 4

When do we need an alternate?

Answer 4

• Less than 3-2-1
• 3,000’ visibility and 2,000’ ceilings 1 hour before and 1 hour after intended time of arrival

Question 5

How to open and close IFR flight plan.

Answer 5

• Open
  - If at a controlled airport, ATC will automatically activate your flight plan
  - If at an uncontrolled airport, a flight plan is activated as part of clearance upon contact and receival of departure frequency
• Closed:
  - Flight plans are closed automatically if landing at a controlled airport
  - If landing at an uncontrolled airport, you must call 1800-WX-BRIEF

Question 6

What is a CRAFT clearance?

Answer 6

Essential elements of an IFR clearance
- Clearance limit
- Route
- Altitude
- Frequencies
- Transponder