Flight Planning Flashcards
What is the definition of height?
Height = the vertical distance upwards to a fixed point from a given level or specific datum.
What is the definition of mean sea level?
MSL = an average level for the surface of one or more of the Earth’s oceans from which heights such as elevations may be measured.
What is the definition of altitude?
Altitude- the vertical distance upwards to a fixed point or object, measured from MSL.
What is the defintion of elevation?
Elevation- the vertical distance upwards to a fixed point or level on the surface of the earth, measured from MSL.
What is QFE?
QFE is the corrected barometric pressure for a specific datum.
(Field elevation).
What unit is pressure measured in?
hPa
hectorPascals
What is the rough field elevation of Cranwell?
220 ft
What are the disadvantages of using QFE?
Does not provide terrain awareness.
May introduce confusion when adjacent traffic patterns are integrated.
What is the definition of QNH?
QNH - Aerodrome QNH is the observed pressure of the airfield elevation, corrected for temperature and reduced to MSL.
When is it suitable to use QNH?
QNH is used for…
Flights in the vicinity of most civil aerodromes, including approach and landing.
For calculating transition level in the vicinity of the airfield.
For calculating minimum safe flight levels.
What is Force QNH?
Force QNH is usedd during exercise, it is the lowest forecast QNH in the exercise area for a defined time period.
What are LO-HI-LO and HI-LO-HI
Long Range Pressure Changes issues.
If you take of in the LOW pressire to a HIGH pressure, your altimeter will read LOW.
What is RPS?
Regional Pressure Setting
The lowest forecast QNH within a designated Altimeter Setting Region (ASR) and is used as a pressure datum for Air Systems flying at or below the Transition Altitude.
It is issued hourly and as a forecast, it is not accurate.
What are ASRs?
Altimeter Setting Regions
ie Barnsley RPS
What is SPS?
Standard Pressure Setting (SPS)
Assumes a mean sea level of 1013.25 hPa (29.92 inches mercury).
Utilised above the Transition Level.
When is the SPS used?
For all flying above the TA and when flying above 3000ft AMSL in the UK outside controlled airspace except when:
Completing manoeuvres requiring rapid changes of altitude or heading.
Flying in conformity when instructions fiven by ATC, HM Ships or an ASACS radar unit.
What are semi-circulars?
Tracks 001 - 179 are Easterlies and Odds, ie FL 30, FL 50 etc.
Tracks 180 - 359 are Westerlies and Evans, ie FL 40, FL 60 etc.
What is the typical height of the transition altitude in the UK?
3000ft
What is the thickness of the transition layer?
Variable, but never less than 1000 ft.
What is the transition altitude?
The altitude at which the transition layer begins.
What is the equation for Transition Level?
Transition Level = Transition Altitude + Transition Layer
What is the Safety Altitude?
An SA provides aircrew with a safe altitude to fly at or above when visual separation from the ground is not possible.
What are the 4 reasons when you can descend below the SA?
If the Pilot…
Is in visual contact with the surface.
Can let down by means of an approved radio or radar terminal approach procedure provided by aircraft ATC.
Is using a servicable terrain-following radar equipment.
Is compelled to do so in an emergency.
Who is responsible for the dictating the waypoint distances for Safety Altitude calculations?
The Aviation Duty Holder (ADH).
What factors are required to calculate SALT?
Determine the elevation AMSL of the highest ground or obstacle over which there is any possibility of the aircraft passing.
Add an increment of 1000 ft.
Round up to the nearest hundred feet.
For flight over mountainous terrain (over 3000 ft AMSL) the increment should be increased to 2000 ft.
What is the definition of mountainous terrain?
Ground level of over 3000 ft AMSL.
What are the order of the Transition area components?
Transition Altitude (Lowest)
Transition Layer
Transition Level
Flight Level (Highest)
What is the Transition Level?
The lowest flight level available for use above the Transition Altitude.
What is MSFL?
Minimum Safe Flight Level
What adjustments must be made to aerodrome and obstacle elevation figures when being used in performance calculations?
These figures must be converted to pressure altitude when the sea level pressure differs from 1013.25 hPa.
What is the formula for Pressure Altitude?
Pressure Altitude (PA) = Airfield Elevation + (30 * p)
where p = 1013 - Aerodrome QNH
How is pressure converted to feet?
Multiply by 30.
ie 2 hPa = 60 ft
What is Density Altitude?
Density Altitude is Pressure Altitude adjusted to take into account deviation of airfield termperature ISA standards.
What are the effects of reducing air density on aircraft performance?
Decreased air density/higher density altitude affects…
a change to the lift generated by the wing.
efficiency of a propeller or rotor.
power output of the engine.
What is the formula for calculating DA?
DA = PA + 120t
where t is the difference between local air temperature at pressure altitude and the standard temperature for the same pressure altitude. If the air temperature is higher than standard, then (120t) is added to pressure altitude, if it is lower, subtracted.
At what FL does C Class airspace begin?
FL 195
What is a TRA?
Temporarily Reserved Area
What is RNAV?
Area Navigation
A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path.
What is CALF?
Calf Amendment Low Flying
What is CHAD?
Chart Amendment Document
What would you consult when you’re conducting maintenance away from base?
ALFSS - Aircrew Landaway Flight Servicing Schedule.
Aircrew Manual and FRCs
FRCs
ANA - Advance Notification of Amendment
AL - Amendment Leaflet
Where do you get aircraft best operating advice from?
Where would you look for drills when conducting a Forced Landing in a Prefect?
What does ANA stand for?
What is an AL
What is an aircraft’s basic CoG position?
The position of the CG of an aircraft at its basic weight, empty aircraft, with unretrievable fuel, oil and equipment.
What is the CoG Datum Point?
A specific point on an aircraft, or in space close to it, from which all measurements for weight and balance purposes are taken, either directly or indirectly.
When would an aircraft’s All Up Weight (AUW) be measured?
Aircraft construction
Modifications to the aircraft
Periodically to establish aircraft weight.
What are the weather limits for operating in the UKLFS for Fixed Wing aircraft above 140ky?
Flight Visibility of 5km
1500m horizontal
500 ft vertical separation from cloud
How regular are the update cycles for charts?
28 days
