OPNAV CH 4- Flight Authorization, Planning, and Approval

Question 1

Rescue Helicopters over water shall…..

Answer 1

have a member of its crew who is completely outfitted for water entry and completed rescue swimmer school

Question 2

Authorized Airfields (DoD)

Answer 2

• Authorized at all US military and joint civil-military airfields
• Use PPR if required
• PPR not needed for alternate or emergency diverts
• If returning to US, PIC shall ensure they will satisfy US service Customs at airfield

Question 3

Authorized Airfields (Civilian)

Answer 3

• Authorized if in US Enroute Supplement

- Shall not be used for RON unless necessary

Question 4

Civilian Airfields

• Facilities
• Security

Answer 4

• PIC shall ensure DoD contract service available
• PIC shall ensure security is in place whenever aircraft is left unattended away from homefield

SERVICES AND SECURITY

Question 5

Helicopter may land at other than airfield if….

CO can waive if…..

Answer 5

1) Military requirement exists
2) Adequate safeguards are taken to permit safe landing and takeoff without hazards to people or property
3) There are no legal objections

CO can waive if aircraft is engaged in SAR operations

Question 6

Airfield Operations Outside Published Hours / Closed Control Tower Operations

Answer 6

• COs of airfields are authorized to extend operating hours beyond those published in directory without opening tower
• Both the CO of the airfield and unit commander have authorized operations
• Naval aircraft are authorized to operate art a closed control tower airfield with no crash crew when both the CO of the airfield and unit commander have authorized operations

Question 7

Closed Airfields

Answer 7

Prohibited except for in case of emergency

Question 8

PIC (or delegated to NATOPS qualified aircrew or NFO) verifies by signing Flight plan

Answer 8

FAFEEPPP
Flight has been properly authorized
Adequate Flight planning 
Fuel/weather requirements met
Each pilot in form has weather brief
Each pilot has inst rating if flying IMC of pos contrl
Passengers briefed and manifested
Proper weight and balance
PIC acknowledges responsibility for safe and orderly conduct of flight

Question 9

Alternate Filing Requirements

Answer 9

-Alt required if t be used for alternate selection

Question 10

Call Sign

Answer 10

Recommend Using Squadron Modex (N1E107)

Tactical/Squadron can be used if necessary

Question 11

Authorized Flight Weather Briefing and void time

Answer 11

1) Metoc is primary
2) 1-888-PILOTWX is secondary
3) Commercial Weather if necessary

Void 3 hours after brief or 30 after ETD

Question 12

Flight into WW

Answer 12

Operational Necessity
Emergency
Weather Research

1) Storm has not progressed as forecasted (DOD of FWB):
- VFR filing if weather permits
- IFR flight permitted if radar installed and can detect storm
- IFR flight is permitted in controlled airspace if vmc can be maintained and can detect/avoid isolated storms

2) Performance characteristics allow flight above storm

Question 13

Minimum Fuel Requirements

Answer 13

If alternate not required, then take to destination plus 10%
If alternate is required, fuel to fly from takeoff, to approach fix at destination, and to alternate, plus 10%
In no case, fuel reserve after landing be less than that needed for 20 minutes of flight

Compute fuel consumption at planned flight altitude

Question 14

Closing Flight Plan

Answer 14

PIC/Formation Leader Responsible
Military: Verbal confirmation with tower/baseops
Turn in flight plan to base ops

  Non military:  Close with flight service

*Cancelling IFR plan does not constitute close out

Question 15

Shoot Approach Below Mins

Answer 15

• Multi-piloted

- Capability to proceed to suitable alternate