Cross-Country Flight Planning Flashcards
What are three common ways to navigate?
Pilotage (by reference to visible landmarks)
Dead reckoning (by computing direction and distance from a known position)
Radio navigation (by use of radio aids)
GPS navigation
What types of aeronautical charts are available for use in VFR navigation?
Sectional Charts
VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC)
VFR Flyway Planning Charts
designed for visual navigation of slow to medium speed aircraft. One inch equals 6.86 nautical miles. They are revised semiannually, except most Alaskan charts which are revised annually.
Sectional Charts
Depict the Class B airspace. While similar to sectional charts, ___ have more detail because the scale is larger. One inch equals 3.43 nautical miles. Charts are revised semiannually, except in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands where they are revised annually.
VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC)
This chart is printed on the reverse side of selected TAC charts. The coverage is the same as the associated TAC. They depict flight paths and altitudes recommended for use to bypass high traffic areas.
VFR Flyway Planning Charts
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
Find Airport Elevation
201
What indicates an airport with a rotating beacon?
a star on top of the circle:
What indicates an abandoned airport on a sectional?
Circle with a red X crossing through it
What indicates an airport with lighting facilities?
“L” indicates lighting services
”*L” indicates pilot-controlled lighting services
What indicates an airport with services on a sectional?
What indicates an alert area on a sectional?
What indicates approach control frequencies on a sectional?
What airspace is this?
Class B
What airspace is this?
Class C
What airspace is this?
Class D
What is this airspace’s ceiling?
2,700’
What is “magnetic variation”?
Variation is the angle between true north and magnetic north. It is expressed as east vatiation or west variation.
What is “magnetic deviation”?
Because of magnetic influences whithin the airplane itself (electrical circuits, radios, lights, tools, engine, magnetized metal parts, etc.) the compass needle is frequently deflected from its normal reading. This deflection is called deviation. Deviation is different for each airplane, and also varies for different headings of the same airplane. The deciation value may be found on a deviation card located in the airplane.
Name several types of navigational aids.
VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range)
VORTAC (VOR / Tactical Air Navigation)
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
RNAV (Area Navigation) includes INS, VOR/DME-referenced, and GPS
What is a VOR / VORTAC?
VORs are VHF radio stations that project radials in all directions (360º) from the station, like spokes from the hub of a wheel.
Each of these radials is denoted by its outbound magnetic direction.
Almost all VOR stations will also be VORTACs. A VORTAC provides the standard bearing information of a VOR plus distance information to pilots of airplanes which have distance measuring equipment (DME).
Whithin what frequency range do VORs operate?
Transmitting frequencies of omnirange stations are in the VHF (very high frequency) band between 108 and 119.95 MHz, which are immediately below aviation communication frequencies.
How are VOR NAVAIDs classifies?
Terminal
Low
High
What reception distances can be expected from the various class VORs?
T
12,000’ and below
25 miles
What reception distances can be expected from the various class VORs?
L
Below 18,000’
40 miles
What reception distances can be expected from the various class VORs?
H
Below 14,500’
40 miles
14,500’ - 18,000’
100 miles (conterminous 48 states only)
18,000’ - FL450
130 miles
Above FL450
100 miles
What limitations, if any, apply to VOR reception distances?
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 - plus or minus 4º
Ground checkpoint - plus or minus 4º
Airborne checkpoint - plus or minus 6º
Dual VOR check - 4º between each other
Selected radial over a known ground point - plus or minus 6º
DME operates on what frequencies?
The UHF spectrum between 960 and 1215 MHz
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 positions and their clocks.
- User element* - consists of antennas and receiver-processors onboard aircraft that provide positioning, velocity, and precise timing to the user.
What does RAIM stand for?
Reveiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
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. 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 information?
Pilots may obtain GPS RAIM availability information by using a manufacturer-supplied RAIM prediction tool, or using the Service Availability Prediction Tool (SAPT) on the FAA enroute and terminal RAIM prediction website. Pilots can also request GPS RAIM aeronautical information from an FSS during preflight briefings.
If RAIM capability is lost in-flight, can you continue to use GPS for navigation?
Without RAIM capability, the pilot has no assurance of the accuracy of the GPS position. VFR GPS panel-mount receivers and handheld units have no RAIM alerting capability. This prevents the pilot from being alerted to the loss of the required number of satelites 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?
- Verify that the GPS equipment is properly intalled and certified for the planned operation.
- Verify that the databases (navigation, terrain, obstacle, etc.) have not expired.
- Review GPS NOTAM/RAIM information related to the planned route of flight.
- Review operational status of ground-based NAVAIDs and related aircraft equipment (e.g., 30-day VOR check) appropriate to route of flight.
- Determine that the GPS receiver operation manual or airplane flight manual supplement is onboard and available for use.
During a preflight briefing, will the FSS briefer automatically provide a pilot with GPS NOTAMs?
No. You must specifically request GPS/WAAS NOTAMs.
What can be computed using 3 satellites?
yields a latitude and longitude position only (2D)
What can be computed using 4 satellites?
yeilds latitude, longitude, and altitude position (3D)
What can be computed using 5 satellites?
3D and RAIM
What can be computed using 6 satellites?
3D and RAIM (isolates corrupt signal and removes from navigation solution)
What does WAAS stand for?
Wide Area Augmentation System
What is WAAS?
a ground and satellite integrated navigational error correction system that provides accuracy enhancements to signals received from the global positioning system. It provides extremely accurte lateral and vertical navigation signals to aircraft equipped with GPS/WAAS-enabled certified (TSO C-146) equipment.
If it becomes apparent that you cannot locate your position, what action is recommended at this point?
Climb
The higher altitude allows better communication capability as well as better visual range for identification of landmarks
Communicate
Use the system. Use 121.5 MHz if no other frequency produces results.
Confess
Once communications are established, let them know your problem
Comply
Follow instructions
Fequencies for VHF 720 communication:
- 000 - 135.975 MHz
- 025 MHz spacing
Frequencies for VHF 760 communications
- 000 - 136.975 MHz
- 025 MHz spacing
What does ATIS mean?
Automatic Terminal Information Service
What frequency is normally used at an airport with a control tower or FSS for UNICOM?
122.950 MHz
If operating into an airport without an operating control tower, FSS or UNICOM, what frequency should be used for self-announce procedures?
MULTICOM frequency 122.9 MHz
What frequency is designated as a common enroute simplex frequency at most FSS’s?
122.2 MHz
What does RCO stand for?
Remote Communications Outlet
What is the meaning of a heavy-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency?
FSS frequencies 121.5, 122.2, 243.0 and 255.4 are available.
What is the meaning of a thin-lined blue box surrounding a NAVAID frequency?
there are no standard FSS frequencies available. These NAVAIDs will have a “no voice” symbol (underline under frequency).
Where are the regulations concerning the use of drugs and alcohol for pilots and passengers?
14 CFR § 91 . 17
Where are the regulations concerning deviation from any rule in Part 91?
14 CFR § 91 .3
Where are the regulations concerning objects being dropped from an aircraft?
14 CFR § 91 .15
Preflight action as required by regulation for all flights away from the vicinity of the departure airport shall include a reiew of what specific information?
For a flight under IFR or a flight 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 if the planned flight cannot be completed
- *F** Fuel Requirements
14 CFR § 91 . 103
What is the order of right-of-way as applied to the different categories of aircraft?
14 CFR § 91 . 113
Balloons
Gliders
Airships
Airplanes
Rotorcraft
Aircraft towing or refueling other aircraft have the right-of-way over all other engine-driven aircraft
State the required action for the following aircaft confrontaion (same category):
Converging
aircraft on the right has the right-of-way
State the required action for the following aircaft confrontaion (same category):
Approaching head-on
both aircraft shall alter coarse to right
State the required action for the following aircaft confrontaion (same category):
Overtaking
aircraft being overtaken has the right-of-way; pilot of the overtaking arcraft shall alter coarse to the right
Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, what is the maximum idicated airspeed at which a person may operate an aircraft below 10,000’ MSL?
14 CFR § 91 . 117
250 knots
What is the minimum safe altitude that an aircraft may be operated over a congested area of a city?
14 CFR § 91 . 119
1,000’ above the highest obstacle and 2,000’ radius
In areas other than congested areas, what minimum safe altitudes shall be used?
14 CFR § 91 . 119
no lower than 500’ above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500’ 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?
minimum altitude of 2,000’ above the surface
Where can the regulations for light gun signals be found?
14 CFR § 91 . 125
Light Gun Signals:
Steady Geen
On Ground: Cleared for Takeoff
In Air: Cleared to land
Light Gun Signals:
Flashing Green
On Ground: Cleared to Taxi
In Air: Return for Landing
Light Gun Signals:
Steady Red
On Ground: Stop
In Air: Yield, Continue Circling
Light Gun Signals:
Flashing Red
On Ground: Taxi Clear of Runway
In Air: Unsafe, Do Not Land
Light Gun Signals:
Flashing White
On Ground: Return to Start
Light Gun Signals:
Alternate Red/Green
On Ground: Exercise Extreme Caution
In Air: Exercise Extreme Caution
What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight at night?
there must be enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended land and, assuming normal cruising speed, at night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes
91 CFR § 91 . 151
What is the fuel requirement for VFR flight at 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.
14 CFR § 91 . 151
Where can you find regulations about VFR cruising altitudes?
14 CFR § 91 . 159
Where can you find regulations about oxygen requirements?
14 CFR § 91 . 211
When is supplemental oxygen required?
12,500 - 14,000: More than 30 minutes (required flight crew)
Above 14,000: required flight crew all times
Above 15,000: each occupant provided
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 the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, C, D, E airspaces designated for an airport
- Within 4 nautical miles of the center line of a Federal airway
- Below an altitude of 1,500 feet above the surface
- When flight visibility is less than 3 statute miles
Generally, what altitude is the ceiling of Class B airspace?
10,000’ MSL
When operating beneath the lateral limits of Class B airspace, or in a VFR corridor designated through Class B airspace, what maximum speed is authorized?
Indicated airspeed of no more than 200 knots
Generally, what altitude is the ceiling of Class C airspace?
4,000’ above the airport elevation
How is Class C airspace generally configured?
5 NM radius core from the surface to 4,000’ AGL
10 NM radius shelf area that extends from 1,200’ to 4,000’ AGL
20 NM outer area radius that extends from the lower limits of radar/radio coverage up to the ceiling of the approach controls airspace.
What minimum weather weather conditions are required when conducting VFR flight operations within Class C airspace?
3 statute miles flight visibility
cloud clearances of at least 500’ below, 1,000’ above and 2,000’ horizontal to clouds
How is Class C airspace depicted on navigational charts?
A solid magenta line/circle
What minimum weather conditions are required when conducting VFR flight operations within Class B airspace?
clear of clouds with at least 3 statute miles flight visibility
How is Class D airspace depicted on navigational charts?
blue segmented lines/circles
