Flight Planning

Question 1

Part 91 IFR fuel requirements?

Answer 1

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft in IFR conditions unless it carries enough fuel (considering weather reports and forecasts and weather conditions) to—
(1) Complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing;
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, fly from that airport to the alternate airport; and
(3) Fly after that for 30 minutes at normal cruising speed.

Question 2

Part 91 wx required not to need an alternate?

Answer 2

(b) Paragraph (a)(2) (alternate) of this section does not apply if:
(1) Part 97 prescribes a SIAP to, or a special instrument approach procedure has been issued by the Administrator to the operator for, the first airport of intended landing; and
(2) wx reports or forecasts indicate:
(ii) For helicopters. At the estimated time of arrival and for 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival, the ceiling will be at least 1,000 feet above the airport elevation, or at least 400 feet above the lowest applicable approach minima, whichever is higher, and the visibility will be at least 2 statute miles.

Question 3

Under Part 91 how do you determine if airport meets the criteria to be an alternate?

Answer 3

(c) IFR alternate airport wx mins. Unless otherwise authorized, can’t include an alternate airport unless wx reports or forecasts indicate that at the estimated time of arrival the ceiling and visibility at that airport will be at or above:
(ii) Ceiling 200 feet above the minimum for the approach to be flown, and at least 1 statute mile vis but not less than vis for the approach and
(2) If no IAP has been published or special instrument approach procedure has been issued the ceiling and visibility minima are those allowing descent from the MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR.

Question 4

Part 91 VOR check requirements?

Max bearing error?

What information needs to be recorded?

Answer 4

Operationally checked within last 30 days.

Test signal ground: 4 degrees.
VOR system checkpoint ground: 4 degrees.
Airborne checkpoint: 6 degrees.
If no test signal or checkpoint: fly centerline of VOR airway within 20 miles of navaid, fly low over ground object along airway and read bearing error over prominent ground object: 6 degrees.
Dual VOR: tune both, center needle: 4 degrees.

Enter the date, place, bearing error, and sign the aircraft log or other record.

Question 5

Part 91 when may a pilot operate below the DA/DH or MDA?

Answer 5

Unless the aircraft is in a position to land using normal rates of descent and using normal maneuvers, and for part 121 or part 135 unless that ROD will allow touchdown in the touchdown zone of the runway;

(2) The flight vis not less than visibility prescribed in the SIAP being used; and
(3) at least one visual reference for the runway is distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot:
(i) The ALS, except pilot may not descend below 100 feet above the TDZE using the ALs unless the red terminating bars or the red side row bars are also visible and identifiable (ii) The threshold (iii) The threshold markings (iv) The threshold lights (v) The runway end identifier lights (REIL) (vi) The visual approach slope indicator (VASI) (vii) The touchdown zone or touchdown zone markings (viii) The touchdown zone lights (ix) The runway or runway markings (x) The runway lights.

Question 6

Part 91 when may a pilot land?

Answer 6

Landing. No pilot operating an aircraft may land when:

For all other part 91 operations and parts 121, 125, 129, and 135 operations, the flight visibility is less than the visibility prescribed in the standard instrument approach procedure being used.

Question 7

Part 91 takeoff mins?

Answer 7

This applies to 121, 125, 129, or 135: no pilot may T/O from a civil airport under IFR unless wx at T/O is at or above the wx mins for IFR takeoff prescribed for that airport under part 97, or If no wx mins prescribed the following wx mins apply: (iii) For helicopters— 1⁄2 statute mile visibility.

Must use obstacle departure procedures (ODPs) unless the pilot uses such ODPs or an alternative procedure or route assigned by air traffic control.

Question 8

Part 91 limitations on procedure turns?

Answer 8

In the case of a radar vector to a final approach course or fix, a timed approach from a holding fix, or an approach for which the procedure specifies “No PT,” no pilot may make a procedure turn unless cleared to do so by ATC.

Question 9

Part 91 what are the required components of an ILS?

What may be substituted?

Answer 9

The basic components of an ILS are the localizer, glide slope, and outer marker.

Substitute for the outer marker: Compass locator; (PAR) or (ASR); DME, VOR, or NDB fixes authorized in the SIAP; or a suitable RNAV system in conjunction with a fix identified in the SIAP.

Question 10

Part 91 minimum IFR Altitudes?

Answer 10

Except T/O and L can’t operate IFR below: minimum altitudes prescribed in parts 95 and 97 of this chapter. However, if MEA and MOCA are prescribed, may operate below the MEA down to, but not below, the MOCA provided navigation signals are available. For aircraft using VOR for navigation, this applies only within 22 nautical miles of the VOR.

If no minimum altitude is prescribed: over an area designated as a mountainous in part 95 an altitude of 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown; or at an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown.

Question 11

Part 91 when should you climb to a higher altitude?

Answer 11

Climb to a higher minimum IFR altitude shall begin immediately after passing the point beyond which that minimum altitude applies, except that when ground obstructions intervene, the point beyond which that higher minimum altitude applies shall be crossed at or above the applicable MCA.

Question 12

Part 91 what communications are required to automatically be reported to ATC?

Answer 12

(a) The time and altitude of passing each designated reporting point, or the reporting points specified by ATC, except that while the aircraft is under radar control, only the passing of those reporting points specifically requested by ATC need be reported;
(b) Any unforecast weather conditions encountered; and
(c) Any other information relating to the safety of flight.

Question 13

Part 91 lost communications?

Answer 13

If VFR or if VFR conditions encountered continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable.

If IMC: Route 1. last assigned 2. if vectored, by the direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance 3. No route, by the route that ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance; or 4. In the absence of an assigned route or a route that ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance, by the route filed in the flight plan.

Altitude: highest of 1. Assigned 2. The minimum altitude for IFR operations; or 3. The altitude advised may be expected in a further clearance.

Leave clearance limit. 1. When is fix for approach, descend and approach at expect-further-clearance time or if not one, as close as possible to the ETA as calculated from the filed ETE. 2. Leave limit at the expect-further-clearance time or if none upon arrival over the clearance limit, and proceed to a fix from which an approach begins and commence approach at estimated time of arrival as calculated from the filed ETE.

Question 14

Part 91 Malfunction reports required?

Answer 14

Under IFR in controlled airspace: The PIC of each aircraft operated in controlled airspace under IFR shall report any malfunctions of navigational, approach, or communication equipment occurring in flight. The pilot in command shall include the:

(1) Aircraft identification;
(2) Equipment affected;
(3) Degree to which the capability of the pilot to operate under IFR in the ATC system is impaired; and
(4) Nature and extent of assistance desired from ATC.

Question 15

Part 91 Class B, C, D cloud clearance and vis requirements?

Answer 15

B: 3 miles, CoC
C: 3 miles vis and 500 B, 1000 A, 2000 H
D: 3 miles vis and 500 B, 1000 A, 2000 H

Question 16

Part 91 Class E and G cloud clearance and vis requirements?

Answer 16

E below 10K: 3 miles vis and 500 B, 1000 A, 2000 H
E above 10K: 5 miles vis and 1K B, 1K A, 1 mile H

G: below 1200 ft: Day- 1/2 mile, CoC
G: below 1200 ft: Night- 1 mile CoC
G: 1200 to 10K: Day-1 mile and 500 B, 1000 A, 2000 H
G: 1200 to 10K: Day-3 mile and 500 B, 1000 A, 2000 H
G: above 10K: 5 miles vis and 1K B, 1K A, 1 mile H

Question 17

Part 91 Class G helicopter operations?

Answer 17

A helicopter may be operated clear of clouds in an airport traffic pattern within 1⁄2 mile of the runway or helipad of intended landing if the flight visibility is not less than 1⁄2 statute mile.

Question 18

Part 91 operating restriction in surface based controlled airspace?

Answer 18

Except S VFR, can’t operate within boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet: no person may take off or land an aircraft, or enter the traffic pattern of an airport, under VFR, within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport, unless at least 3 statute miles vis; or 3 miles flight visibility. For the purpose of this section, an aircraft operating at the base altitude of a Class E airspace area is considered to be within the airspace directly below that area.

Question 19

Part 91 Special VFR?

Answer 19

(b) Special VFR operations may only be conducted—
(1) With an ATC clearance;
(2) Clear of clouds and for helicopters no vis requirement.
(4) Except for helicopters, between sunrise and sunset

Question 20

Part 91 VFR fuel requirement?

Answer 20

First point of intended landing and fly after that at normal cruise for 20 mins.

Question 21

135.203 VFR: Minimum altitudes?

Answer 21

(b) A helicopter over a congested area at an altitude less than 300 feet above the surface.

Question 22

135.205 VFR: Visibility requirements?

Answer 22

b) No person may operate a helicopter under VFR in Class G airspace at an altitude of 1,200 feet or less above the surface or within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport unless the visibility is at least—
(1) During the day— 1⁄2 mile; or
(2) At night—1 mile.

Question 23

135.207 VFR: Helicopter surface reference requirements?

Answer 23

No person may operate a helicopter under VFR unless that person has visual surface reference or, at night, visual surface light reference, sufficient to safely control the helicopter.

Question 24

135.213 Weather reports and forecasts?

Answer 24

(a) For weather reports or forecasts shall use National Weather Service, a source approved by the U.S. National Weather Service, or a source approved by the Administrator.

However, under VFR, the PIC may, if no report is not available, use weather information based on that pilot’s own observations or on those of other persons competent to supply appropriate observations.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, weather observations made and furnished to pilots to conduct IFR operations at an airport must be taken at the airport where those IFR operations are conducted, unless the Administrator issues operations specifications.

Question 25

135.217 IFR: Takeoff limitations?

Answer 25

No person may takeoff an aircraft under IFR from an airport where weather conditions are at or above takeoff minimums but are below authorized IFR landing minimums unless there is an alternate airport within 1 hour’s flying time (at normal cruising speed, in still air) of the airport of departure.

Question 26

135.219 IFR: Destination airport weather minimums?

Answer 26

No person may take off an aircraft under IFR or begin an IFR or over-the-top operation unless the latest weather reports or forecasts, or any combination of them, indicate that weather conditions at the estimated time of arrival at the next airport of intended landing will be at or above authorized IFR landing minimums.

Question 27

135.221 IFR: Alternate airport weather minimums?

Answer 27

Rotorcraft. Unless otherwise authorized no one may include an alternate airport in an IFR flight plan unless weather reports or forecasts indicate that, ETA at the alternate airport, the ceiling and visibility at that airport will be at or above the following weather minimums:

1. The ceiling is 200 feet above the minimum for the approach to be flown, and visibility is at least 1 statute mile but never less than the minimum visibility for the approach to be flown.
2. The ceiling and visibility minimums are those allowing descent from the minimum enroute altitude (MEA), approach, and landing under basic VFR.

Question 28

135.223 IFR: Alternate airport requirements?

Answer 28

Complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing; Fly from that airport to the alternate airport; and for helicopters, fly after that for 30 minutes at normal cruising speed.

Alternate not required if one hour before and after the ETA, the wx forecasts indicate that: The ceiling will be at least 1,500 feet above the lowest circling approach MDA; or If no circling, the ceiling will be at least 1,500 feet above the lowest published minimum or 2,000 feet above the airport elevation, whichever is higher; and
visibility will be at least three miles, or two miles more than the lowest applicable visibility minimums, whichever is the greater, for the instrument approach procedure to be used at the destination airport.

Question 29

135.225 IFR: Takeoff, approach and landing minimums.

No pilot may begin an instrument approach procedure to an airport unless?

Answer 29

Airport has a wx by National Weather Service, source approved by NWS, or approved by the Admin; and
latest wx indicates that conditions are at or above the authorized IFR landing minimums for that airport.

Pilots conducting an eligible on-demand operation may begin approach to airport without wx reporting if: the alternate has approved wx reporting, and the latest wx report issued includes a current local altimeter setting for the destination airport. If no local altimeter setting, the pilot may use the current altimeter setting provided by the facility designated on the approach chart for the destination airport.

Question 30

135.225 IFR: Takeoff, approach and landing minimums.

When can you continue an approach?

Answer 30

When pilot is on final and receives a wx report that conditions below the minimum requirements, he may continue the approach only if the requirements of §91.175(l) of this chapter, or both of the following conditions, are met: 1. The later weather report is received when the aircraft is in one of the following approach phases: ILS final approach and has passed the final approach fix, on an ASR or PAR and has been turned over to the final approach controller, or the aircraft is on a nonprecision final approach and the aircraft has passed the final approach fix or where a final approach fix is not specified, has completed the procedure turn, and 2. The PIC finds at MDA or DA/DH, wx conditions are at or above the minimums.

Question 31

135.225 IFR: Takeoff, approach and landing minimums.

Takeoff mins?

Answer 31

At airports where straight-in instrument approach procedures are authorized, a pilot may takeoff under IFR when wx is equal to or better than the lowest straight-in landing minimums, unless otherwise restricted, if—

(1) The wind direction and velocity at the time of takeoff are such that a straight-in instrument approach can be made to the runway served by the instrument approach;
(2) The associated ground facilities upon which the landing minimums are predicated and the related airborne equipment are in normal operation; and
(3) The certificate holder has been approved for such operations.

Question 32

135.229 Airport requirements?

Answer 32

No pilot of an aircraft carrying passengers at night may takeoff from, or land on, an airport unless: That pilot has determined the wind direction from an illuminated wind direction indicator or local ground communications or, in the case of takeoff, that pilot’s personal observations; and
the limits of the area to be used for landing or takeoff are clearly shown for helicopters, by boundary or runway marker lights or reflective material.