IFR Flight Plan/Procedures Flashcards
No person may operate an aircraft in controlled airspace under IFR unless:
Filed an IFR flight plan
Received appropriate ATC clearance
Can you fly IFR in uncontrolled airspace without a flight plan or clearance?
Yes, it is legal.
Once you are airborne you must remain in uncontrolled airspace until you file a flight plan and get an ATC clearance to enter the controlled airspace
91.173
Benefits of an instrument rating?
Class A airspace
Fly in IMC
File an IFR flight plan
How can you file an IFR flight plan?
FSS - by phone or 1-800-WX-BRIEF
ForeFlight
Over the radio on RCO frequencies
With ATC over the radio or phone
When should you file your flight plan?
File at least 30 minutes prior to estimated departure
How can you cancel your flight plan?
Towered airports automatically cancel for you
Non-towered you need to contact ATC to cancel by radio or phone
Can cancel anytime in flight if out of IMC and not in Class A airspace
When do you need to file an alternate?
A destination alternate is always required UNLESS
An instrument approach is published and available for the destination AND
Ceiling is at least 2000’ one hour before to one hour after ETA AND
Visibility is at least 3sm
What are the minimum weather requirements to list an airport as an alternate?
Precision approach - 600ft ceiling and 2sm visibility
Non-Precision approach - 800ft ceiling and 2sm visibility
No instrument approach - ceiling and visibility must allow descent from MEA, approach and landing under VFR
IFR Crusing Altitudes
0-179 ODD thousands
180-359 EVEN thousands
IFR takeoff minimums
No T/O minimums prescribed for part 91 operations
Part 121, 125, 129, 135 T/O mins are as follows
Prescribed T/O mins for the runway, or:
1-2 engines airplanes: 1sm visibility
More than 2 engines: 1/2sm visibility
T in a black triangle - non standard takeoff and departure procedures
A in a black triangle - non standard IFR alternate minimums exist
A in a black triangle with NA - alternate minimums not authorized due to unmonitored facility or the absence of weather reporting service
Departure procedures
Either textual or graphical
Ensures obstacle clearance, provided:
The airplane crossed the departure end of the runway at least 35 feet AGL
Reaches 400ft AGL before turning and climbs at least 200 feet per NM or as published otherwise on the chart
What is the FPNM to fpm conversion?
fpm = FPNM * groundspeed / 60
FPNM is normally 200 unless stated otherwise
When are pilots encourage to file a DP (departure procedure) ?
Pilots are encouraged to file a DP at night, during VMC or IMC
What are the two types of Departure Procedures?
Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP)
Standard Instrument Departure (SID)
What’s an ODP?
Provides only obstacle clearance
Graphic ODP’s will have “(obstacle)” printed in the chart title
What’s a SID?
Standard Instrument Departure
In addition to obstacle clearance it reduces pilot and controller workload by simplifying ATC clearance and minimizing radio communications
Some SID’s may depict special radio failure procedures
Are you required to accept a DP?
No, to avoid receiving one, state “NO SID’s” in remarks section of flight plan
Transition routes connect the end of the basic SID procedure to the en route structure
IFR Departure Clearance
CRAFT
Clearance limit
Route
Altitude
Frequency
Transponder
What is clearance void time?
The time at which your clearance is void and after which you may not takeoff.
You must notify ATC within 30 minutes after the void time if you did not depart
“Hold for release”
You may not takeoff until being released for IFR departure
Release time
Earliest time the aircraft may depart under IFR
Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT)
A runway release time given under traffic management programs in busy airports.
Aircraft are expected to depart no earlier and no later than 5 minutes from the EDCT
What’s a Standard Terminal Arrival?
STAR
Serves as a transition between the en route structure and a point from which an approach to landing can be made
Transition routes connect en route fixes to the basic STAR procedure
Usually named according to the fix at which the basic procedure begins
You can state “NO STAR’s” in remarks to avoid getting one
RNAV STARs require RNAV1 performance
IFR Altitudes
91.177
Except for takeoff or landing, or otherwise authorized by the FAA, no person may operate an aircraft under IFR below:
Minimum altitudes prescribed for the flown segment, or if none:
Mountainous areas: 2,000ft above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4nm from the course
Non-mountainous areas: 1,000ft above the highest obstacle within 4nm from the course