Flight Planning Flashcards
List a few key elements that must be calculated in flight planning
Course vs. heading correction, performance numbers, weight/balance, and fuel burn calculations
Flight planning requires multiple calculations to ensure safe operations. You must determine wind correction angles to maintain course, calculate aircraft performance based on conditions, verify weight and balance is within limits, and determine fuel requirements. Additionally, you need to gather and organize airport information, check weather, ensure regulatory compliance, and make key decisions about routes and alternatives.
What is the process for calculating pressure altitude?
Take 29.92 minus current altimeter setting, multiply by 1000, add to field elevation or indicated altitude
To find pressure altitude, subtract the current altimeter setting from 29.92, multiply that difference by 1000, and add the result to your field elevation. For example, if the altimeter setting is 30.42 and you’re at 4500 feet MSL, first calculate 29.92 - 30.42 = -0.50, then multiply by 1000 to get -500 feet, meaning your pressure altitude would be 4000 feet. Alternatively, in flight you can simply set your altimeter to 29.92 and read the indicated altitude.
What factors should be considered when selecting a route?
Terrain, airspace restrictions, emergency landing sites, and ease of navigation
Route selection requires evaluating multiple factors beyond just the direct path. You must consider terrain clearance and obstacles, restricted or controlled airspace along the route, availability of suitable emergency landing sites, and how easily you can navigate the route using your chosen methods. Weather patterns and fuel availability should also factor into route decisions.
What is the purpose of the winds aloft forecast in flight planning?
Provides wind direction/speed and temperature at different altitudes for calculating groundspeed and true airspeed
Winds aloft forecasts are crucial for accurate flight planning. They help determine wind correction angles needed to maintain course, calculate groundspeed for accurate time estimates, and provide temperature data needed for true airspeed calculations. This information directly affects required heading, fuel burn, and arrival time calculations.
What does the PAVE checklist cover for go/no-go decisions?
Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures
The PAVE checklist provides a structured way to evaluate flight risks. Pilot considerations include factors like fatigue, illness, or stress. Aircraft factors include mechanical condition and performance capabilities. Environment covers weather and terrain. External pressures include schedule demands or passenger expectations that might influence decision-making.
What should a pilot review when getting a standard weather briefing?
Weather reports/forecasts, TFRs, NOTAMs, and other relevant flight information
A standard weather briefing should include review of current and forecast weather conditions along the route, any TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions), relevant NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and other pertinent information like navaid status. This comprehensive review helps ensure awareness of all factors that could affect flight safety.
Why is cruise performance calculation important in flight planning?
Determines fuel burn rate and true airspeed for accurate time/fuel predictions
Calculating cruise performance involves using POH charts to determine true airspeed and fuel consumption at planned altitude and temperature conditions. This information is essential for accurate flight time predictions and ensuring sufficient fuel is carried with required reserves.
What information should be organized on a kneeboard for a cross-country flight?
Navigation log, frequencies, airport data, and other essential flight information
The kneeboard should contain your completed navigation log, relevant frequencies (including emergency frequencies), airport information like pattern altitudes and runway data, and any other essential information needed during flight. Good organization makes this information quickly accessible when needed.
How do you calculate the time between checkpoints during flight planning?
Distance divided by groundspeed, multiplied by 60 for minutes
To calculate time between checkpoints, first determine the distance between points and your expected groundspeed (accounting for winds). Then divide distance by groundspeed and multiply by 60 to get minutes. This allows you to monitor progress and identify needed adjustments during flight.
What factors determine optimal cruise altitude selection?
Flight length, direction of flight, terrain, weather, and oxygen requirements
Cruise altitude selection depends on multiple factors: flight length (higher altitudes more beneficial for longer flights), direction (hemispheric rules), terrain clearance requirements, weather conditions (including cloud layers and turbulence), and oxygen requirements above 12,500 feet MSL.
