OpSpecs, Tricks and General Policies Flashcards
What are standard takeoff mins?
1 SM or 5000’ RVR (RVR takes precedence)
What is OPSEPC C56?
When a takeoff minimum is not published, allows lower than standard takeoff for runways classified as standard (STD)
RVR 16 or 1/4 Requirements
At least one of the following must be met:
- Operative HIRL
- Operative CL
- RCLM
- Any other marking or lighting that gives you adequate visual reference so the pilot will be able to continually maintain runway centerline of takeoff
TDZ RVR 12/Rollout RVR 10 Requirements
Takeoff with TDZ RVR 12 and Rollout RVR 10 as long as:
- Operative CL
- Two operative RVR systems
a. Mid RVR can be substituted for TDZ or Rollout RVR
b. The first RVR must be 1200 and the last RVR must be 1000
600/600/600 RVR requirements
OpSpecs authorize reduced takeoff provided all of the following are met:
- Operative CL
- RCLM
- At least two operative RVR systems showing no less than 600
- If three RVR systems available, then all three must be no less than 600
Takeoff alternate requirements
Needed anytime you takeoff and are unable to return to your departure airport due to visibility below landing minimums for a suitable runway. The lowest published minimum visibility for this will be 1⁄2 sm (lowest authorized CAT I approach minimums) or required visibility for the approach to be used.
What is the definition of a suitable runway as it relates to takeoff alternates?
Suitable runway means that it is suitable for operation given all parameters (winds, length, approach, surface conditions, etc.)
- Must be listed on the release
- FAR 121.617 states that a takeoff alternate must be within one hour of the departure airport in still air with one
engine inoperative
What are high mins captain limitations?
FAR 121.652 (High Mins Captain) states that if the PIC has fewer than 100 hours in the type aircraft for which he is to serve as Captain, then he must add:
- 100fttoDHorMDA
- 1⁄2 sm to published landing visibility
When is an alternate required?
• A destination alternate must be filed and listed on the release when:
- “1-2-3 rule” – 1 hour prior to 1hour after the intended time of arrival at destination, the ceiling must be > 2000
feet and the visibility must be > 3 sm, and/or
- Anytime (regardless of weather) the destination is in Canada or charter flight
• If a destination alternate is required, then apply C55 of the Ops Specs to determine a legal alternate
What is OpSpec C55?
How to determine a legal takeoff alternate
What is Method 1 for determining a legal takeoff alternate?
- 1 nav facility
- 1 suitable runway
- Ceiling: Add 400’ to HAT/HAA
- Vis: Add 1sm to published landing min
What is Method 2 for determining a legal takeoff alternate?
- 2 different nav facilities
- 2 different suitable runways
- circling approaches not authorized
- Ceiling: Add 200’ to HAT of the higher of the two approaches used
- Vis: Add 1/2 sm to the higher published landing mins of the two approaches used
What are the four questions you should ask when considering an airport for an alternate?
- Is the desired alternate airport listed in your Jepps? If not, it is not authorized as an alternate.
- Is the weather forecast to be at least 400 feet/1 sm at your ETA? This is the absolute lowest you can ever go. If it is lower, then it is not suitable as an alternate.
- Does NA appear in the “For Filing As An Alternate” box? If so, then the airport, or at least any runway with NA listed is not authorized for use as an alternate.
- Are there any NOTAMS that restrict you from using the airport as an alternate?
What are destination minimums per FAR 121.613?
FAR 121.613 states that you may not depart for your destination airport unless the reports, forecasts, or any combination of them show that the weather will be at or above the required landing visibility at your ETA.
What does exemption 3585 allow?
Exemption 3585 allows an aircraft to depart when the weather at the destination, alternate, or both is conditionally below landing minimums.
This means that the FROM statement is indicating legal weather, but the TEMPO, PROB, or BECMG statements indicate that there is a chance that the weather could drop below legal minimums.
