Navigation, Flight Planning, and Procedures Flashcards
What is an RMI?
Radio magnetic indicator
Shows bearing to an NDB or VOR
What is an ADF?
Automated direction finder
Aircraft instrument which allows tracking to NDBs
What is an HSI?
Horizontal situation indicator
Combines heading indicator with CDI
What are some types of radio aids to navigation?
VOR NDB RNAV DME GPS
What are characteristics of a VOR or VORTAC?
VHF frequency, projected in 360 radials
VORTAC provides DME information
Some offer voice reception capability
What are the methods for performing a VOR check?
VOT check +/-4* Ground checkpoint +/-4* Airborne checkpoint +/-6* Dual VOR check 4* between each other Selected radial over known ground point +/-6*
Where can locations of VOTs, ground VOR checkpoints, and airborne VOR checkpoints be found?
Chart supplement (AFD)
How can you determine if a VOR or VORTAC is out of service for maintenance?
Audible, coded information is removed
What is DME?
Distance measuring equipment
Transmitted by VORTACs on UHF frequencies (960-1215 MHz)
Provides slant-range distance to and from station
What is the range of DME?
Reliable up to 199NM
What is an NDB?
Non-directional beacon190-535 kHz (below AM radio)
Allows for homing to the station
What is RNAV?
Area navigation
INS, LORAN, VOR/DME, GPS
What is GPS?
Global positioning system
Uses information from multiple satellites to determine position
What is primary radar?
System in which radar signal is reflected off the aircraft
What is secondary radar?
Radar signal is received and returned by a transponder
Describe Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON).
30nm radius from facility, up to 10000’ MSL
Should be addressed as “Approach” unless directed otherwise (Departure)
Describe Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC).
Provide separation for IFR enroute flights
Divided into sectors, and high and low altitude operations
Have numerous transmitters to ensure signal reception
Can a handheld GPS receiver be used as the primary means of navigation on a VFR cross country flight?
Yes, but it should be supplemented with another form of navigation
What are some potential hazards of using only GPS navigation?
Satellite outages
RAIM capability
Database currency
Antenna position
What preflight preparations are required when using GPS navigation on an IFR flight?
GPS properly installed and certified Database current GPS and WAAS NOTAMs RAIM availability for non-WAAS units Operational status of ground-based NAVAIDs
What is the maximum elevation figure (MEF) on a sectional chart?
MSL elevation of highest terrain feature or obstacle within a specific quadrant
What preflight information are pilots required to be aware of for any flight not in the vicinity of an airport?
Weather reports and forecasts Fuel requirements Alternatives Known ATC traffic delays Runway lengths of intended use Takeoff and landing distance data
What are the 4 most common ways to navigate?
Pilotage
Dead reckoning
Radio navigation
GPS
Define isogonic line.
Line connecting points of equal magnetic variation
Define magnetic variation.
Difference between magnetic north and true north
Define lines of latitude.
Circles parallel to the equator, used to measure north and south distance
Define lines of longitude.
Drawn from north pole to south pole, crossing the equator at right angles
Used to measure distance east and west
Define course.
Intended path of an aircraft over the earth
Define heading.
Direction the nose of the aircraft points
Define track.
Actual path over the ground
Define drift angle.
Angle between heading and track
Define wind correction angle.
Correction applied to course to compensate for effects of wind
What is the formula for determining a compass heading?
TC +/- WCA = TH +/- VAR = MH +/- DEV = CH
What are the basic steps for planning a VFR cross country flight?
Preflight briefing
Draw course, mark checkpoints, enter checkpoints on navlog
Determine VOR courses/NAVAIDS, and enter on navlog
Enter altitude, wind direction, and windspeed on navlog
Compute true airspeed
Calculate wind correction, magnetic heading, and compass heading, and groundspeed
Calculate time to checkpoints, time enroute, and fuel burn
Calculate weight and balance, and takeoff and landing performance
Complete a flight plan form and file with FSS
What are the procedures for diverting to an alternate?
Mark present position and time on the chart
Consider distance to alternates, and select airport which best meets situation
Determine magnetic course to airport and divert immediately
Calculate wind correction, distance, fuel, while enroute to alternate
When are flight crewmembers required to wear seatbelts?
Takeoff, landing, and en route (shoulder harnesses during takeoff and landing)
What is the speed limit for Class C and Class D airspace?
200 KIAS
What is the speed limits for Class B airspace?
250 KIAS
What are the fuel requirements for VFR flight?
To the first point of intended landing +30 minutes at normal cruise (daytime)
45 minutes at normal cruise (nighttime)
What are the fuel requirements for IFR flight?
To the first airport of intended landing +45 minute reserve (no alternate)
From that airport to alternate + 45 minute reserve
What are the minimum visibility and cloud clearances for VFR flight below 10000’ MSL in Class C, D, or E airspace?
3sm visibility
1000’ above, 500’ below, 2000’ horizontal from clouds
What are the minimum visibility and cloud clearances for VFR flight above 10000’ MSL in Class C, D, or E airspace?
5sm visibility
1000’ below, 1000’ above, 1 mile horizontal from clouds
What are the minimum visibility and cloud clearances (day and night) for VFR flight below 1200’ AGL in Class G airspace?
Day: 1sm and clear of clouds
Night: 3sm, 1000’ above, 500’ below, 2000’ horizontal from clouds
What are the minimum visibility and cloud clearances (day and night) for VFR flight above 1200’ AGL but below 10000’ MSL in Class G airspace?
Day: 1sm, 1000’ above, 500’ below, 2000’ horizontal from clouds
Night: 3sm, 1000’ above, 500’ below, 2000’ horizontal from clouds
What are the minimum visibility and cloud clearances for VFR flight above 10000’ MSL in Class G airspace?
5sm visibility
1000’ above, 1000’ below, 1 mile horizontal from clouds
What minimum altitudes above terrain are required for IFR flight?
1000’ above highest obstacle within 4NM of course
2000’ above highest obstacle within 4NM of course (mountainous area)
Where are Mode C transponders required?
At or above 10000’ MSL
Within 30 miles of Class B airport
Within and above Class C airspace
Within ADIZ (air defense identification zones)
What is a composite flight plan?
VFR operations for one portion, IFR for another
Clearance must be requested from nearest FSS to open IFR portion
How long past the proposed departure time will a flight plan remain on file?
1 hour
If you fail to close your VFR flight plan, how long after the planned arrival time until search and rescue operations begin?
1/2 hour
What is a TFR?
Temporary flight restriction
Issued via NOTAM system to restrict certain activities temporarily
What is a TRSA?
Terminal radar service area
Provides vectoring, sequencing, separation
VFR participation is voluntary
What can you do to avoid wake turbulence when landing?
Stay at or above preceding jet’s flight path
Land beyond preceding jet’s touchdown point
Land prior to rotation point of departing jet
Consider wind drift of vortices if landing on parallel runway
What can you do to avoid wake turbulence when taking off?
Rotate prior to a preceding departing jet’s rotation point
Stay above preceding jet’s flight path
Be aware of wind drift of vortices if using parallel runways
Allow at least 2 minutes before taking off/landing after large jet has executed a go-around or touch and go
Who is responsible for avoiding wake turbulence?
PIC
Acceptance of a takeoff/landing clearance implies the acceptance of responsibility for wake turbulence separation
What is hydroplaning?
Thin film of water between runway and tires causes tires to lift off runway surface
How would you reduce speed if hydroplaning occurs on landing?
Touch down at slowest possible speed
Apply moderate braking
If deceleration is not detected, raise nose to increase aerodynamic braking until aircraft slows enough for wheel brakes to be effective
What is the runway width illusion?
Narrow runways create illusion that aircraft is higher than it actually is
What is the runway/terrain slope illusion?
Upsloping runway/terrain creates illusion that aircraft is higher than it actually is
Downsloping runway/terrain creates illusion that aircraft is lower than it actually is
What is the featureless terrain illusion?
Absence of ground features (or over water) creates illusion that aircraft is higher than it actually is
What are some atmospheric illusions?
Rain on windscreen creates illusion that aircraft is higher than it actually is
Haze exaggerates distances, creates illusion of aircraft being further from runway than it actually is
When are position lights required to be on?
Sunset to sunrise
