Instruments Q & A - Hangar Flashcards
What is the Outer Area of Class C Airspace?
The Outer “Area” is NOT part of Class C airspace.
The Outer Area has a radius of 20 NM from the airport. It starts at the lower limit of radio/radar coverage and goes up to the upper limit of approach control’s delegated airspace. You should contact ATC prior to entry.
What are the lateral dimensions of Class D Airspace?
Class D airspace lateral dimensions are individually tailored. Some Airports may have extensions protruding from the circle.
What are the vertical dimensions of Class D Airspace?
Class D airspace extends from the surface up to 2500’ AGL.
What are the minimum cloud and visibility requirements to operate in Class D Airspace?
Class D wx Minimums are:
Distance from the clouds: 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2000 ft horizontal
Min visibility: 3 SM.
What are the Class D airspace communication requirements?
Prior to entering Class D airspace, you must establish commo with ATC PRIOR to entry. If ATC says “Army Copter 12345, Standby… “, then commo HAS been established. But, if ATC does NOT use your call sign, then no entry.
What is the Class D airspace transponder requirement?
Class D Airspace has NO Transponder requirements.
What are the extensions protruding from Class D airspace?
Extensions are used for instrument approaches. If the extension is 2 NM or less, it is Class D airspace.
(If any one extension is greater than 2 NM, then ALL extensions are Class E airspace)
How is Class D airspace charted on a VFR sectional map?
Class D is charted on a VFR Sectional by a blue dash circle.
What is the definition of Class E airspace?
Class E airspace is all controlled airspace that is NOT classified as Class A, B, C, or D airspace.
What are the minimum cloud and vis requirements in Class E Airspace?
If below 10,000 ft MSL:
Distance from clouds: 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2000 ft horizontal
Minimum Visibility: 3 SM
If 10,000 ft MSL or above:
Distance from clouds: 1000 ft below, 1000 ft above, 1 SM horizontal. Minimum Visibility: 5 SM
What are Class E transition areas and what altitudes do they start?
Class E airspace that is used to transition to/from the terminal or en-route environment is called a Transition area. Transition areas start at either 700 ft AGL. A Fading blue color on a VFR sectional denotes a transition are starting at 1200 ft AGL. HOWEVER, the blue color is not shown unless it abuts uncontrolled Class G Airspace.
What are the communication requirements to operate within Class E airspace?
There are no communication requirements to operate within Class E airspace, no radio is required, but highly recommended for CTAF calls.
What is the Class E Airspace transponder requirement?
Class E airspace has NO transponder requirement.
If there is no Class E airspace designated otherwise, where does the Class E airspace start?
Unless designated at a lower altitude, Class E airspace begins at 14,500 ft MSL up to (but not including) 18,000 MSL only over the 48 contiguous States and Alaska.
What are Class E transition areas and what altitudes do they start?
Class E airspace that is used to transition to/from the terminal or en-route environment is called a Transition area. Transition areas start at either 700 ft AGL. A Fading blue color on a VFR sectional denotes a transition are starting at 1200 ft AGL. HOWEVER, the blue color is not shown unless it abuts uncontrolled Class G Airspace
What is the definition of Class E airspace?
Class E airspace is all controlled airspace that is NOT classified as Class A, B, C, or D airspace.
What are the minimum cloud and vis requirements in Class E Airspace?
If below 10,000 ft MSL:
Distance from clouds: 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2000 ft horizontal
Minimum Visibility: 3 SM
If 10,000 ft MSL or above:
Distance from clouds: 1000 ft below, 1000 ft above, 1 SM horizontal.
Minimum Visibility: 5 SM
How will Class E Airspace at Non-towered airports be charted on VFR Sectionals?
Non-Towered Class E Airports on a VFR sectional are charted by a magenta dashed line circle. Extensions are charged with magenta dashed lines.
What are the communication requirements to operate within Class E airspace?
There are no communication requirements to operate within Class E airspace, no radio is required, but highly recommended for CTAF calls.
IAW AR 95-1, what icing conditions may you fly into?
You cannot fly into severe icing conditions. You may fly in moderate icing conditions if the aircraft is equipped with adequate deicing or anti-icing equipment.
If there is no Class E airspace designated otherwise, where does the Class E airspace start?
Unless designated at a lower altitude, Class E airspace begins at 14,500 ft MSL up to (but not including) 18,000 MSL only over the 48 contiguous States and Alaska.
What are Class E transition areas and what altitudes do they start?
Class E airspace that is used to transition to/from the terminal or en-route environment is called a Transition area. Transition areas start at either 700 ft AGL. A Fading blue color on a VFR sectional denotes a transition are starting at 1200 ft AGL. HOWEVER, the blue color is not shown unless it abuts uncontrolled Class G Airspace
What type of airspace are federal airways? What are the vertical limits of federal airways?
Federal Airways are Class E airspace. They start at 1200 ft AGL up to but not including 18,000 ft MSL.
What type airspace is Class G?
Class G Airspace is uncontrolled airspace.
If you have a choice between operating on a VFR or IFR flight plan, which do you do?
If your aircraft is instrumented for IFR flight, you MUST operate on an IFR flight plan - unless:
- The flight is for VFR training.
- There is not enough time to operate under an IFR flight plan.
- The mission can only be accomplished under VFR.
- Excessive ATC delays are encountered.
- Hazardous weather must be avoided.
- Your copilot is not instrument rated in your type category.
If planning an IFR flight through Class G airspace, what are the altitude considerations?
When planning an IFR flight through uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, the pilot must remain at least 1000 ft AHO in flat terrain and 2000 ft AHO in designated mountainous terrain (see AIM para 5-6-5 for designated mountainous areas) within 4 NM from the course to be flown.
In addition, you must meet the “semi-circular rule”: With a magnetic course (ground track of 0-179 degrees, you must file for an odd thousands (3000, 5000 MSL). With a magnetic course of 180-359 degrees, you must file for even thousands (4000, 6000 MSL).
When filing IFR to a destination airfield, what must the destination weather be?
(5) Instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. Destination weather must be forecast to be equal to or greater than the published weather planning minimum for the approach procedure to be flown at ETA through 1 hour after ETA.
When there are intermittent weather conditions, predominant weather will apply. If inoperative components for an approach exist, adjust the weather planning minimums as indicated by the DOD/US Government FLIP. Aviators flying helicopters may reduce destination and alternate Category A visibility minimums by 50 percent, but not less than 1/4 mile or metric equivalent. Reduction of visibility for approaches labeled “COPTER ONLY” is not authorized and this reduction is applied after all other corrections. Category II approach procedures may not be used in destination or alternate weather planning.
What is a restricted area?
A Restricted area is airspace on the surface in which the flight of aircraft is subject to restrictions.
Examples include missile firings and aerial gunnery.
When is an alternate required if you are filing IFR to a destination airfield?
e. Alternate airfield planning. An alternate airfield is required when filing IFR to a destination under any of the following conditions:
(1) Radar is required to execute the approach procedure to be flown.
(2) The instrument approach navigational aids to be used are unmonitored.
(3) The predominant weather at the destination is forecast at ETA through 1 hour after ETA to be less than—
(a) Ceiling 400 feet above the weather planning minimum required for the approach to be flown.
(b) Visibility 1 mile (or metric equivalent) greater than the planning minimum required for the approach to be flown.
(4) An alternate is not required if descent from en route minimum altitude for IFR operation, approach, and landing can be made in VFR conditions.
During IFR planning, what criteria must the alternate airfield meet?
f. Alternate airfield selection.
(1) An airfield may be selected as an alternate when the worst weather condition for that airfield is forecast for ETA through 1 hour after ETA to be equal to or greater than—
(a) Ceiling 400 feet above the weather planning minimum required for the approach to be flown and visibility 1 mile (or metric equivalent) greater than the weather planning minimum required for the approach to be flown; or
(b) VFR minimums and descent from en route minimum altitude for IFR operation, approach, and landing can be made in VFR conditions.
(2) An airfield will not be selected as an alternate except per f(1)(b) above—
(a) If the approach procedure to be used at the alternate is shown not authorized (NA) in FLIP.
(b) If radar is required for the approach procedure to be used at the alternate.
(c) If the instrument approach navigational aids to be used is unmonitored.
(d) If a Class B, C, D, or E surface area airspace does not exist or is not in effect at the airport to be used.
(e) If the global positioning system (GPS) is required for the approach.
What is an MOA?
An MOA is a Military Operations Area. Its purpose is to separate certain military training activities such as aerobatics, or high speed maneuvering aircraft, from IFR traffic.
IFR or VFR, can you fly through an MOA?
On an IFR flight, ATC will clear you through an MOA if radar separation can be provided. If not, ATC will re-route you around the MOA. On a VFR flight, entry is allowed with no clearances necessary, however, pilots should be alert.
What are the IFR takeoff minimums if the aviator flying the aircraft on takeoff has less than 50 hours of actual weather time?
If the aviator flying the aircraft on takeoff has less than 50 hours of actual weather time, then the IFR takeoff minimums are:
HELICOPTERS: 100 ft ceiling/ 1/4 vis or RVR of 1200 ft.
FIXED WING: 200 ft ceiling 1/2 vis or RVR of 2400 ft.
What is a Warning Area?
A Warning Area is airspace 3 NM outward from the coast of the U.S. that may be hazardous to non-participating aircraft. Since the hazard is in International airspace, no mandatory procedures can be dictated. However, pilots are strongly urged not to enter unless proper clearance can be obtained.
If the approach plate says “Dual VORs Required” and you only have 1 VOR, can you execute the approach?
Yes, Dual VOR equipment requirements specified on approach charts do not apply to Army aircraft. Use Dual VOR approach minimums.
What are the helicopter fuel requirements - VFR and IFR?
Helicopter fuel reserve requirements are:
VFR - 20 min at cruise
IFR - 30 min at cruise
What are the fixed wing fuel requirements - VFR and IFR?
Fixed wing fuel requirements are:
VFR (day) - 30 min at cruise
VFR (night) - 45 min at cruise
IFR - 45 min at cruise
IAW AR 95-1, what icing conditions may you fly into?
You cannot fly into severe icing conditions. You may fly in moderate icing conditions if the aircraft is equipped with adequate deicing or anti-icing equipment.
A radio call must be made when you cannot maintain a climb or descent at ______ feet per minute.
500 feet per minute.
If you observe weather that was not forecasted, must you make a report?
Yes, upon encountering weather conditions that were not forecast, a radio call is required to ATC.
You must make a call when you make a missed approach. What else must be included with this radio call?
After a missed approach, your call must include requesting a specific action (i.e. clearance to alternate). In addition, you must report any bad weather that caused you to execute the missed approach.
How long is a weather forecast valid?
A weather briefing is void after 1 hour and 30 minutes from the time the forecast is received until you take off.
If your VOR becomes inoperative, is a radio call required?
Any loss of your VOR, ADF, TACAN, ILS or comma radios requires a call to ATC:
- ID
- Equipment Loss
- How it affects your flight
- Assistance required
Example: “Cairns approach, Army 12345, VOR inoperative, Unable to execute VOR approach, Request PAR.”
Should you make a radio call when you enter holding?
Yes, except when talking to a military radar controller during a training flight, you must call entering holding:
- ID
- Position
- Time
- Altitude
Example: “Montgomery Approach, Army Copter 12345, Entering holding at Petry at 1245, 4000.”
Should you make a radio call when departing holding?
Yes, except when talking to a military radar controller, you must call departing holding:
- ID
- Fix departing
Example: “Montgomery Approach, Army Copter 12345, Departing Petry.”
If the weather at the airfield that you are filing to is not known and if there is not weather reporting service at the airfield, then what weather forecast can you use?
If there is no weather reporting service, the aviator may use the area forecast.
