Instrument Flying Handbook

Question 1

Width of federal airways

Answer 1

4 NM from centerline

Question 2

Vertical extent of Victor Airways (V189)

Answer 2

1,200ft AGL to 17,999ft MSL

Question 3

Vertical extent of Jet Routes (J12)

Answer 3

18,000MSL to FL450

Question 4

How often are IFR en route charts updated?

Answer 4

Every 56 days

Question 5

What is MEA?

reference to En Route charts

Answer 5

Minimum EnRoute Altitude –ensures NAVAID reception and obstacle clearance for the entire leg.

Question 6

What is the typical Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) obstacle clearance

Answer 6

1,000 AGL in non-mountainous, 2,000 AGL in mountainous

Question 7

What is MOCA?

reference to En Route charts

Answer 7

Minimum obstruction clearance altitude. Provides the same obstruction clearance as MEA, but NAVAID reception is only guaranteed for 22NM

Question 8

What is MRA?

reference to En Route charts

Answer 8

Minimum Reception Altitude. The lowest altitude at which an intersection can be determined from an off-course NAVAID (“MRA 9300”)

Question 9

What is MCA?

reference to En Route charts

Answer 9

Minimum Crossing Altitude. Must be reached by the point, and applies directionally (“V24 8000 SE”)

Question 10

What is MAA?

reference to En Route charts

Answer 10

Maximum Authorized Altitude. The highest altitude at which the airway can be flown with assurance of receiving nav signals. (“MAA-15000”)

Question 11

If the feathered markings appear on the left-hand side of a localizer arrow…

Answer 11

A back course (BC) signal is transmitted.

Question 12

What is a COP?

reference to En Route charts

Answer 12

Changeover Point. Indicates where to switch NAVAIDS on a route. If no COP is given, changeover in the middle.

Question 13

What is TPP?

Answer 13

Terminal Procedure Publication. Enables pilots to guide their aircraft in the airport area. Includes approach procedures, STARs, Departure Procedures, and airport diagrams.

Question 14

What are the two types of Departure Procedures (DPs)?

Answer 14

ODPs, Obstacle Departure Procedures, and SIDs, Standard Instrument Departures

Question 15

What is a STAR?

Answer 15

Standard Terminal Arrival Route - depicts the transition from the en route structure to a fix in the terminal area

Question 16

What is an IAP?

Answer 16

Instrument Approach Procedure - chart that provides a method to descend and land safely in low visibility conditions

Question 17

What are TERPs?

Answer 17

Terminal Instrument Approach Procedures - prescribes standardized methods for use in designing instrument flight procedures

Question 18

What are the six main sections of an instrument approach chart?

Answer 18

margin identification, pilot briefing (and notes), plan view, profile view, landing minimums, airport diagram

Question 19

What does it mean if a triangle containing a “T” appears in an IAP notes section?

Answer 19

The airport has nonstandard IFR takeoff minimums; pilots should refer to the DPs section of the TPP to determine takeoff minimums

Question 20

What does it mean if a triangle containing a “A” appears in an IAP notes section?

Answer 20

The airport has nonstandard IFR alternate minimums. Civil pilots should refer to the Alternate Minimums section of the TPP

Question 21

What does it mean if a triangle containing a “A” NA appears in an IAP notes section?

Answer 21

Alternate minimums are not authorized due to unmonitored facility or no weather reporting

Question 22

What is an IAF?

reference to IAPs

Answer 22

Initial Approach Fix