DR-KNOW / IQ-2k Information Services

TEST NOTES - IFR
(instrument rating)


by: Todd Wheatley
(c) IQ-2k   (Apr.2007)


       STUDY GUIDE FOR IFR WRITTEN & PRACTICAL (oral) EXAMINATIONS

       Section I :
       FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS & INSTRUMENT FLIGHT
       -- Instruments Required, Tests & Inspections
       -- Instrument Errors
       -- Pre-start / Taxi Checks
       -- Primary / Supporting Instruments
       -- Partial Panel
       -- Unusual Attitudes
       --------------------------------------

       Section II :
       NAVIGATION
       --  Equipment Function/Limitation

       DEPARTURE - ENROUTE - ARRIVAL
       -- Charts & Procedures
       -- Holding

       APPROACH
       --  Equipment Function/Limitation
       --  Charts & Procedures
       --  Missed Approach
       --------------------------------------

       Section III :
       COMMUNICATIONS
       --  ATC / FSS
       --  Clearances
       --  Emergencies & Lost Comm.
       --------------------------------------

       Section IV :
       FLIGHT PLANNING
       --   & 
       --  NOTAMS
       --  A/FD & Airport Environment

       WEATHER
       --  Definitions
       --  Winds
       --  Clouds
       --  Charts
       --------------------------------------

       Section V :
       Spatial Disorientation
       Visual Illusions
       --------------------------------------

       APPENDIX
       --------
       TIME  //  DISTANCE  //  ALTITUDE  //  AIRSPEED  //  CEILING & VIZ
       Equations
       Checkride Brief

       NOTE>  due to typewriter/keyboard limitations a ^  is used for a degree
       symbol in place of a superscript o notation.

       FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS
       ------------------

       << Instruments Required, Tests & Inspections >>
          -----------------------------------------

       Instruments Required for IFR Flight -- FAR 91.205(d)

       G R A B   C A R D

       G enerator   (or alternator)
       R adio       (2-way communications system)
       A ltimeter   (sensitive altimeter)
       B all        (slip-skid indicator ... see rate-of turn

       C lock                  (w/ hrs.-min.-sec.)
       A ttitude indicator     (AI -- gyroscopic pitch/bank indicator)
       R ate-of-turn indicator (gyro. turn coordinator - turn-slip indicator)
       D irection indicator    (DG -- directional gyro)


       The 8 instruments shown are required above and beyond those required
       for VFR flight ... need a reminder ?

       Instruments Required for VFR flight -- FAR 91.205(b)
       - magnetic compass
       - airspeed indicator
       - fuel gauge    (for each tank)
       - oil pressure gauge  (for each engine)
       - oil temp. gauge     (for each engine)
       - tachometer          (for each engine)
       - manifold pressure gauge  (as applicable for each engine)
       - landing gear position indicator (as applicable)


       Instrument Tests & Inspections --  91.409, 91.411, 91.413

       PITOT STATIC system check  --------------   24 MONTHS
       TRANSPONDER  equipment check  -----------   24 MONTHS
       VOR check (accuracy reqmt)  -------------   30 DAYS

       ELT -------------------------------------   12 MONTHS


       VOR equipment check
          1> +/- 6^ airborne check
          2> +/- 4^ ground check
          3> +/- 4^ VOT check
          4> no more than 4^ difference between VORs for dual VOR
             equipped aircraft

       * VOT signal gives a 0^ (360^) FROM or 180^ TO indication in all
              directions.

       Airborne VOR checks should be made over ground check points located no
              more than 20nm from the VOR.


       << Instrument Errors >>

       Airspeed Indicator  --- 1> At high angle of attack airspeed will read
                               lower than actual.    2> At high altitude and
              high speed, compression ahead of the pitot tube will cause the
              airspeed to read higher than actual.    3> If pitot tube & drain
              hole blocked (static open) airspeed indicator will act like an
              altimeter.   4> With the static port blocked (pitot tube & drain
              open) airspeed indicator will read correctly only at the
              altitude in which the static port became blocked.  At higher
              altitudes CAS will be lower than actual and vise-versa for lower
              altitudes.

       Altimeter  ------------ 1> Altimeter reads lower than actual in warm
                               air and higher than actual in cold -- warm or
              cold in relation to the standard temperature (15^c).   2> Flying
              from an area of high pressure to low pressure - "High to Low
              Lookout Below" - i.e.  altimeter reads higher than actual ; the
              same as flying from hot climates to cold.  3> If the static port
              is blocked the altimeter freezes at current altitude.

       Magnetic Compass  ---- 1> NOTE... compass placard ... is installed to
                               annotate compass errors due to mounting and
              magnetic interference.    2> Turning Error -- NOTE... acronyms

              O.S.U.N.  -- overshoot south / undershoot north
              A.N.D.S.  -- acclerate north / decelerate south

              The 1st acroynm OSUN, denotes the action you should take when
              rolling out on southerly or northerly headings; i.e. rollout on
              a heading greater than desired for a south heading.  The 2nd,
              ANDS, indicates the tendency of the compas to swing during an
              acceleration or deceleration.   3> The compass will initially
              swing in the opposite direction when starting a turn from a
              northerly heading.


       << Pre-start / Taxi Checks >>  -- With master switch OFF check OFF
                                         FLAGs on gyro-instruments

       Attitude Indicator ---- 1> the horizontal bar should stabilize within
                               5 min. following engine start.    2> no more
                               than 5^ tilt during taxi turns.

       Magnetic Compass  ----- 1> full of fluid & has correction placard.
                               2> swings freely & indicates known headings.

       Altimeter ------------- set to current settings should read within
                               75 ft. of the actual elevation.

       Turn/Bank Indicator  -- 1> prior to engine start the ball moves freely
                               when the plane is rocked.    2> during taxi the
              ball moves opposite the direction of the turn & the bank
              indicator.

       Heading Indicator ----- Align with compass after start should have 3^
                               or less precession in 15 min.


       --------------------------  see.also... Control & Performance Method

       Three (3) fundamental skills ...  1) Cross Check/Instrument Scan ,
                          2) Instrument Interpretation , 3) Aircraft Control


       PRIMARY & SUPPORTING INSTRUMENTS

       > Stabilized
         -- straight & level
         -- standard rate turns
         -- constant rate climbs & descents

       > Initiate or Establish (turn or climb & descent)


       STABILIZED -- Straight & Level Flight
         Primary Instruments
           1> BANK   -  Heading Indicator (directional gyro)
           2> PITCH  -  Altimeter
           3> POWER  -  Airspeed indicator

       PARTIAL PANEL
       STABILIZED -- Straight & Level Flight
         Primary Instruments
           1> BANK   -  Turn-coordinator
           2> PITCH  -  Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)
           3> POWER  -  Airspeed indicator


       << Partial Panel >>

          Primary PITCH instrument -- VSI
          Primary BANK instrument  -- turn coordinator

          1/2 standard rate turns should be used during partial panel
             operations.  During a NO-GYRO APPROACH an ATC controller will
             instruct the pilot to both start and stop turns.


       AVIATE ...  Roll-out Headings for Compass Turns
       -----------
       compass turns - roll out calculation        (current)
             roll out heading = desired heading +- latitude +- 1/2 bank angle


       << Unusual Attitudes >>
          Due to wing loading power should be reduced and wings leveled before
             initiating a climb in a nose low critical attitude ;

          AVIATE ...  Power / Level / Pitch

          Due to the protential for stalling, power must be added and the
             nosed lowered before leveling the wings in a nose high critical
             attitude.  The wing loading will be small due to lower airspeeds.

          AVIATE ...  Power / Pitch / Level


          TURBULENCE PENETRATION - maintain attitude -- altitude & airspeed
             are secondary.

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       NAVIGATION
       ----------
       << Equipment Function / Limitation >>


                                DISTANCE
       VOR service volumes    ------------     Terminal VOR  15 nm
                                               Standard VOR  40 nm
                                        * High-altitude VOR  130 nm


                                ALTITIUDE
       VOR service volumes    ------------     Terminal VOR  12,000 ft
                                               Standard VOR  18,000 ft
                                        * High-altitude VOR  45,000 ft

       * pilots interested in high-altitude flight should further investigate
       high altitude service volumes due to its complexity.

       VORs undergoing maintenance DO NOT transmit ID codes ; in-flight
              navigation signals recieved without an ID code should be
              considered unreliable.

       VOR-DME ... DME identifier repeats at 30 sec intervals @ 1350 Hz


       The VOR CDI indicates a maximum of 10^ deviation either side of center.
              Each dot represents a 2^ deviation or 200 ft-per-nm.


       AVIATE ... VOR station passage occurs at 1st complete TO/FROM reversal.

       AVIATE ... reverse sensing occurs when flying TO a VOR with a FROM
                  radial indicator and vise-versa.  Reverse sensing should be
                  also be noted during position fixing and intersection
                  identification.


       DME  - Distance Measuring Equipment  >>  required for flight at & above
              FL 240  ; DME identifier repeats every 30 sec. at 1350 Hz; DME
              is LEAST accurate close to the station at high altitudes.

       DME  ---------  line-of-sight effective range  199 nm



       DEPARTURE - ENROUTE - ARRIVAL
       -----------------------------
       << Charts - Procedures >>

       SID
       -- to use an instrument departure the pilot must at least possess a
       textual description

       STAR
       -- The arrival procedure begins at the nav aide or intersection where
       all transistions join; usually the point for which the arrival is
       named.   there is only one transistion route, the procedure begins
       at the head of the route.

       ex.> Cedar Creek 3 Arrival ... the procedure begins at Cedar Creek VOR.


       VOR change over point (COP) ---- midway between VOR unless noted on
              enroute chart with a COP symbol    -|
                                                  |-

       Victor airway  -------------------------------  8 nm  wide ; except
              for airways where VORs are more than  51 nm  apart then a 4.5^
              wedge widens the airway.


       << Holding >>

       AVIATE ... write down hold instructions & draw the hold


                                            /
       Holding                 PARALLEL   /      DIRECT
                                        /  70^
                          ------------ ^ -------------
                         TEARDROP    /   DIRECT
                                   /



       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       APPROACH
       --------
       << Equipment Function / Limitation >>



       Localizer service volume   -----  35^ either side  to  10 nm
                                         10^ either side  to  18 nm
                                         with approach course  3 - 6^ wide

       LDA  - Localizer-type Directional Aide
              generally the same as a localizer (approach course  3 - 6^),
              except it's not aligned with the runway.  May or may not have
              a glide slope.  ID begins with I just like a localizer
              (ex. I-xyz  118.8) .

       SDF  - Simplified Directional Facility
              there is no I (ex. xyz  118.9) in the ID.  The SDF approach
              course is either 6 or 12^ wide.  May not be aligned with
              runway.


       TIMED APPROACH from a holding fix  ---  1. there must be a control
              tower in operation   2.  only one missed approach proc. can
              not require a course reversal  3. direct comm with approach til
              handed off to tower - i.e. no lost comm

        can you begin SIDE STEP Manuever -- as soon as possible when
              runway environment is in sight

       Radar service is terminated on a visual approach clearance  pilot
              is directed to change to tower or advisory frequency.



       VASI - visual approach slope indicator

              2 BAR  --- "RED OVER WHITE YOUR ALL RIGHT"
              3 BAR  --- 1 RED , 2 WHITE on glide path


       << Approach Charts >>
                                       CATEGORY
       Approach category --- 1.3 Vs0      A      to 90  kts
                                          B   91 - 120  kts
                                          C  121 - 140  kts
                                          D  141 - 165  kts   (E above 165kts)

       Circling approach protected zone   A  1.3 nm
                                          B  1.5 nm
                                          C  1.7 nm
                                          D  2.3 nm



       << Missed Approach >>

       AVIATE ... Check 4 -- Carb heat, Full Throttle, Mixture, Flaps


       10 Visual references required continue approach beyond missed (MAP)
       ------------------------------------------------------------------
       -- approach light system
       -- threshold lights
       -- runway end indentifier lights
       -- touchdown zone lights
       -- runway lights
       -- visual approach slope indicator (usually lights)
       ----
       -- threshold
       -- threshold markings
       -- touchdown zone markings
       -- runway


       Missed approach (non-precision) ---------------  WHEN  TIME expires
       Missed approach (precision)  -----------------   arrival at DH
       Missed approach (circling)  ------------------   lose sight of
         (climbing turn towards runway & then to course)               runway

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       COMMUNICATIONS
       --------------

       << ATC / FSS >>

       Traffic advisories given from a radar facility MAY NOT correspond to
              the "clock" position given due to the difference between
              aircraft heading and ground track.

       "RADAR CONTACT"  -  given by ATC means that your aircraft has been
              identified and radar flight following will be provided until the
              corresponding term of "radar service terminated" is given.

       FSS located at a tower controlled airport will provide airport adivsory
              service when the tower is closed.

       When transitioning from VFR to IFR in a composite flight plan cancel
              the VFR portion with a FSS and request an IFR clearance.

       Report a change in TAS of 10 kts or 5% to ATC

       (no radar contact) - REPORT leaving final approach fix

       Class B & C  -  require two-way communication devices in addition to a
              transponder with Mode C (altitude reporting) capability.  You
              may operate an aircraft in Class B airspace without a
              transponder if you make the request ATC 1 hour before the
              proposed flight.


       << Clearances >>

       CRUISE CLEARANCE  --  no report req'd to vacate altitude , but can not
                             climb back up.

       VFR-ON-TOP  --  ATC to clear altitude changes

       Visual Approach Clearance -- may be given by ATC or requested by pilot
                 ceiling at or above 1000 with 3 mi. Visibility

       Contact Approach Clearance -- may be requested by pilot only
                 clear of clouds with 1 mi. Visibility



       << Emergencies >>

       An EMERGENCY - is a condition of DISTRESS or URGENCY.

       DISTRESS ----- fire, mechanical failure, or structural damage.
       URGENCY  ----- low fuel, weather problems, or unable to maintain MEA.

       ** declaring MINIMUM FUEL is not an emergency.

       Deviation from ATC clearances should be reported as soon as possible.
       And  ATC priority handling is given a report must be filed within
       48 hrs. to the manager of the ATC facility.


       121.5 mHz  -- emergency frequency

       SET TRANSPONDER    7700   Emergency (general)
                          7600   Lost Communications
                          7500   Special Emergency (s.g. Hijack)


       << _____ Lost Comm ______ >>

       COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE --- SET Transponder code 7600
        in VFR conditions - continue VFR and land as soon as practical.


       ROUTE during lost communications ... AVE(nue) F

       A ssigned
       V ectored
       E xpected

       F iled


       ALTITUDE during lost communications ... M.E.A.  ... fly the highest of
                                                           the three altitudes
       M .E.A.  minimum en-route altitude
       E xpected
       A ssigned

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       FLIGHT PLANNING
       ---------------
       NOTAM      -  Notice To Airmen - published every 28 days.
                     ----------------

       FDC NOTAM  -  A flight data center (FDC) NOTAM advises of changes
                     (prior to scheduled publication) that affect instrument
                     approach proceedures, aeronautical charts and flight
                     restrictions.  FDC NOTAMs are available at FSSs within
                     400 mi. of the affected changes.

       NOTAM(D)   -  (D/distant)  - nav aides
       NOTAM(l)   -  (L/local)    - runway/taxiway/obstruction details

       Flight Plan - aircraft equipment codes
       --------------------------------------
       X  -  NO Transponder
       T  -  transponder NO mode C

       U  -  transponder w/ altitude encoding  (MODE C)

       A  -  DME , transponder w/ alt.encoding
       B  -  DME , transponder NO mode C

       R  -  RNAV

       I  -  LORAN, VOR/DME , transponder w/ alt.encoding
       C  -  LORAN, VOR/DME , transponder NO mode C


       File flight plan at least 30 min. prior to flight to allow ATC time to
              cross-check for conflicts

       Flight plans will be deleted after 1 hr after scheduled departure if
              not used

       IFR fuel reqm't  ----------------  1 HOUR before & after ETA
               ceiling 2000 Ft. & 3 sm. visibility -- or LESS
              PIC must have fuel to fly to intended landing then to an
              alternate then for 45 MIN.

       Filing Alternate ----------------  2 HOURs before & after ETA
               precision approach - ceiling 600 ft ; 2 mi viz. -- Req'd
               non-precision ------ ceiling 800 ft ; 2 mi viz. -- Req'd
               no published approach  ---  VFR

       Preflight Weather Briefing
              - Standard Briefing
              - Abbreviated Briefing
              - Outlook Briefing


       Airport/Facility Directory  (A/FD)
              - All facility times in UTC (universal coordinated time) or
                "ZULU".                                  +
              - A double plus (one on top of the other)  +  indicates the
                facility will open & close 1 hr. earlier during daylight
                savings time.


       Airport beacon lit during the day means ceiling < 1000 ft. , viz < 3sm.


       WEATHER
       -------
       << Definitions >>

       Standard LAPSE RATE  2^ C / 1000 ft.  (dry & moist adiabatic lapse
                                              rates are 3^C & 1.1-2.8^C/1000ft
                                              respectively)

       STABLE AIR     >  characterized by steady precipitation / stratiform
                         clouds / smooth air and poor visibility
       UNSTABLE AIR   >  characterized by rain showers / cumuliform clouds /
                         turbulent air and good visibility

       Inverted lapse rates (i.e. temperature increase with altitude)
                         increases airmass stability.

       The TROPOPAUSE is the region of atmosphere from 36,000 to 66,000 MSL
                         that acts like a lid with the bottom portion having a
                         constant temperature of -57^ c

       Advection Fog  -  also known as "sea fog" ; forms when warm moist air
                         flows over cooler ground surfaces.  fog increases
                         with wind speed up to 15 kts. ; stronger winds lifts
                         fog into a cloud bank.

       Ice Fog        -  forms maily in artic regions when ice sublimates.

       Radiation Fog  -  also known as "ground fog" ; forms on cool still
                         nights.

       Precipitation-induced Fog - commonly associated with warm fronts ;
                         forms when warm rain falls through colder air.

       Upslope Fog    -  forms when moist stable air cools adiabatically, fog
                         dissipates when winds drop off.


       << Winds >>

       Surface Winds - typically move across pressure isobars due to surface
       -------------   friction.  In the northern hemisphere winds shift to
                       the right following frontal passage.

       Winds above 2000 AGL - move parallel to pressure isobars.

       FD (winds aloft) -- WIND reported in TRUE direction
       ---------------------------------------------------
       9900  ---  code for calm winds , less than 5 kts

       winds from 100 to 199 kts -- ADD 50 -- to the 2 digit direction code
       (ex.  8515  -- winds 115 kts at 350^)


                                                ----
       WINDS ALOFT ARE REPORTED IN RELATION TO  true  NORTH
       ----------------------------------------------------
                                                ----

       The JET STREAM is stronger and moves further south in the winter and
                    the opposite for summer.

       WIND SHEAR - can be found near low-level temperatures inversions,
                    frontal zones 7 in thunderstorms.  Wind shear can also be
                    expected ahead of a warm front and behind cold fronts.

       MICROBURSTs - are extremely hazardous downdrafts that can range up to
                    6000 FPM that create tremendous wind shear.  Microbursts
                    are typically less than 1 mile in diameter and rarely
                    exceed 15 minutes in duration.  Outflow boundries extend
                    to 2.5 mi.


       << Clouds >>

       High / Middle & Low Clouds & Towering Cumulus
       --------------------------
       High Clouds   >  Cirrus , Cirrostratus , Cirrocumulus
       Middle Clouds >  Altostratus , Altocumulus
       Low Clouds    >  Stratus , Stratocumulus , Nimbostratus , Cumulonimbus


       << Charts & Advisories >>

       Radar Summary Chart - provides timely information not offered elswhere
       -------------------   for lines and cells of hazardous thunderstorms.

       Surface Analysis Chart - provides current (valid at chart time) frontal
       ----------------------   positions, wind, weather and sky coverage.

       Constant Pressure Charts - provides for derivation of widespread cloud
       ------------------------   coverage.

       Prognostic Chart, Convective Outlook (AC), Low-level Significant
       Weather Prognostic Chart  ---  provide forecast data for a given period


       TAF abbreviation
       ----------------
       FM0100        -   from 0100z

       TEMPO 1820    -   temporary change 1800z - 2000z
                                          --      --
       BECMG 1113    -   becoming between 1100z & 1300z
                                          --      --
       PROB40 0205   -   40% probability of change between 0200z & 0500z
                                                           --      --
       P6SM  - greater than 6 mi visibility


       METAR   -  Aviation Routine Weather Report

       METAR abbreviations
       ------------------- weather phenomena

       FG  fog                HZ  haze                FU  smoke

       BR  mist               DZ  drizzle             PY  spray
       RA  rain                                       UP  unknown precip
                                                          (automated observ)
       SN  snow               GR  hail                PL  ice pellets

       DS  dust storm         SS  sandstorm           SA  sand
                                                      VA  volcanic ash
       SQ  squall             FC  funnel cloud

       METAR abbreviations
       ------------------- descriptors

       SH  showers            TS  thunderstorm        FZ  freezing

       BL  blowing            DR  low drifting        MI  shallow
       BC  patches            PR  partial



       AIRMET - Airman's Meteorological Information -- issued every 6 hrs. by
                the NWS for weather other than thunderstorms that could be
                dangerous to light aircraft.  Comes in three flavors...
                SIERRA - IFR conditions -- ceiling < 1000 ft. ; viz < 3sm.
                TANGO  - turbulence ; winds > 30 kts.
                ZULU   - icing


       SIGMET - for hazardous weather potentially dangerous for ALL aircraft.

       PIREP  - Pilot Weather Report -- both routine (UA) or urgent (UUA)
                reports are given in the following format :

                1. OV - location
                2. TM - time
                3. FL - altitude/flight level
                4. TP - aircraft type

                ... with any number of the follwing observations
                SK - sky cover  ;  WX - visibility  ;  TA - temperature
                WV - wind       ;  TB - turbulence  ;  IC - icing


       HIWAS - Hazardous In-flight Weather Advisory Service -- provides (AWW)
       Severe Weather Alerts, AIRMETs, Convective SIGMETs, SIGMET & center
       Weather Advisories   (does not include wind shear or radar reports).

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       SPATIAL DISORIENTATION
       ----------------------
       Coriolis Illusion   ---  is a tumbling sensation produced by a head
                                down motion while in a turn.

       Graveyard Spiral    ---  is a resultant manuever made by a pilot who
                                mistakenly tries to compensate for an inner
                                ear equilibrium created during prolonged
                                constant-rate turns.

      Inversion Illusion  ---  is a backwards tumbling sensation produced by
                                a rapid flattening of a climb.

       Leans               ---  is the sensation of turning in the opposite
                                direction produced by rapid bank maneuvers.

       Rapid Acceleration  ---  produces a climbing senstation.

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       VISUAL ILLUSIONS      Illusion
       ----------------      --------
       Haze                   height  (greater than actual)
       Rain                     "        "      "     "
       Fog Penetration        pitching upward
       Sloping Cloud Bank     false horizon

       Up Sloping Runway    * height  (greater than actual)
       Narrow Runway        *   "        "      "     "
       Featureless Terrain      "        "      "     "

       Bright Runway          Appears closer

       * reverse Illusion for Downsloping & wide runways (i.e. the appearance
       of being lower than actual)


       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       TIME
       ----                     note.. 3 in same aircraft.category
       Instrument currency  --- 6 approaches, navigation, holding proc.
                                                    6 MONTH period

       Instrument currency check Req'd for non-currency extending to 1 YEAR


       ELT -------------------------------------   12 MONTHS
       TRANSPONDER  equipment check  -----------   24 MONTHS
       PITOT STATIC system check  --------------   24 MONTHS

       VOR check (accuracy reqmt)  -------------   30 DAYS


       File flight plan at least 30 min. prior to flight to allow ATC time to
                cross-check for conflicts

       Flight plans will be deleted after 1 hr after scheduled departure if
                not used

       IFR fuel reqm't  ----------------  1 HOUR before & after ETA
                 ceiling 2000 Ft. & 3 sm. visibility -- or LESS
                PIC must have fuel to fly to intended landing then to an
                alternate then for 45 MIN.

       Filing Alternate ----------------  2 HOURs before & after ETA
                 precision approach - ceiling 600 ft ; 2 mi viz. -- Req'd
                 non-precision ------ ceiling 800 ft ; 2 mi viz. -- Req'd
                 no published approach  ---  VFR

                                                            flight TIME
       OXYGEN  -------- No oxygen Req'd   12,500 - 14,000  (less 30 min.)

                                                                 -------
       Missed approach (non-precision) ---------------  WHEN  TIME expires
       Missed approach (precision)  -----------------   arrival at DH
       Missed approach (circling)  ------------------   lose sight of
         (climbing turn towards runway & then to course)               runway

       TIMED APPROACH from a holding fix  ---  1. there must be a control
            tower in operation   2.  only one missed approach proc. can
            not require a course reversal  3. direct comm with approach til
            handed off to tower - i.e. no lost comm

        can you begin SIDE STEP Manuever -- as soon as possible when
              runway environment is in sight

       Radar service is terminated on a visual approach clearance  pilot
              is directed to change to tower or advisory frequency.

       You may operate an aircraft in Class B airspace without a transponder
              if you make the request ATC 1 hour before the proposed flight.

        ATC priority handling is given a report must be filed within
       48 hrs. to the manager of the ATC facility.  see... communications ,
       emergency.

       NOTAM  -  Notice To Airmen - published every 28 days.

       Microburst  -------  generally lasts less than 15 MINUTES

       SDs - Radar Weather Reports  ----------------- 35 min past the hour

       METAR - aviation routine weather report ----  every hour

       TAF - Terminal Aerodrome Forecast  ---------  4 times daily ( 24hr. )
                                                                    forecast
       FA - Area Forecast  ------------------------  3 times daily ( 18 hr.)
                                                                    forecast
       AIRMET -- maximum forecast time 6 hrs.
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       DISTANCE
       --------
       1 sm  =  0.87 nm

       VOR service volumes    ------------     Terminal VOR    15 nm
       (see.. ALT)                             Standard VOR    40 nm
                                          High-altitude VOR    100 -

       Airborne VOR checks should be made over ground check points located no
       more than 20nm from the VOR

       Victor airway  -------------------------------  8 nm  wide
                       except when VORs are more than  51 nm  apart  then a
                       4.5^  wedge widens the airway

       VOR change over point (COP) ---- midway between VOR unless noted on
                 enroute chart with a COP symbol    -|
                                                     |-

       DME  ---------  line-of-sight effective range  199 nm


       Localizer effective range  -------------------  18 nm


       LOM - locator outer marker
                 -- 2 letter ID can be recieved up to  15 nm

       Circling approach protected zone   ----------- Cat A  1.3 nm
                                                          B  1.5 nm
                                                          C  1.7 nm
                                                          D  2.3 nm


       Precision approach runway markings ---- total dist.  3000 ft
                               threshold to touchdown zone   500 ft
                               threshold to aiming point    1000 ft
                               touchdown zone to aiming pt.  500 ft
                               ---------  added markings @   500 ft interval

       Non-precision approach runway markings- total dist.  1000 ft
                               threshold to aiming point    1000 ft


       MOCA - obstr. clearnace - reliable NAV SIGNAL within   22 nm
              of nav aide.


       (obstacle clearance)
       2000 ft. clearance  4nm  either side  of (mountain) course heading
                           ----------------

       FA - Area Forecast - covers a multistate area in six (6) different
                 regions.

       TAF - terminal Aerodrome Forecast - covers an area within a radius of
                 5 -10 miles around the airport.

       FDC NOTAMs available at FSS within 400 mi. of the affected change to an
                 instrument approach, aeronautical chart or flight restiction.

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       ALTITUDES
       ---------
       True Altitude      - is actual height above mean sea level (MSL)
       Pressure Altitude  - is the altitude set to 29.92 in. Hg. standard sea
                            level pressure ; pressure altitude and true
                            altitude are the same when standard atmospheric
                            conditions exist
       Indicated Altitude - as shown on the altimeter when adjusted to the
                            local pressure setting
       Density Altitude   - equals pressure altitude at standard temperature


       Localizer effective range  -----  floor 1000 ft.  @ 18nm
                                         top   4500 ft.

       VOR service volumes    ------------     Terminal VOR    12,000 ft
                                               Standard VOR    18,000 ft
                                          High-altitude VOR    45,000 ft


       Victor Airways  ---------------   1200 AGL  to  18,000 MSL

       Class A airspace   --------------   FL 180  to  FL 600

       Jet route MEA  ------------------   FL 180


--     Transponders with Mode C -- required for flight above 10,000 MSL
             excluding flights that are also below 2500 AGL

       DME required for flight at & above  FL 240

       MEA - minimum enroute altitude  -----  BEGIN climb at intersection at
             a minimum rate of 120 FPM

       ORCA - Off route Obstruction Clearance Altitude  --  make your own
              determination  ---  2000 ft.  clearance  4nm either side of
              (mountain) course heading

       MVA - Minimum vectoring altitude ,  provides  1000 ft.  obstruction
             clearance.  2000 ft. in mountains

                                                               flight time
       OXYGEN  -------- No oxygen Req'd     12,500 - 14,000    (less 30 min.)
                 Oxygen Req'd (crew only)   14,000 - 15,000    (at all times)
                 Oxygen Req'd (passengers)   15,000 & above    (at all times)


       CRUISE CLEARANCE  --  no report req'd to vacate altitude , but can not
                             climb back up.

       VFR-ON-TOP  --  ATC to clear altitude changes

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       AIRSPEED
       --------
       TAS = CAS  at sealevel @ 15^ C (59^ F)

       Equivalent Airspeed - airspeed calculated to adjust for the compression
          of air in front of the pitot tube

                                       CATEGORY
       Approach category --- 1.3 Vs0      A      to 90  kts
                                          B   91 - 120  kts
                                          C  121 - 140  kts
                                          D  141 - 165  kts   (E above 165kts)

       MAX Holding Speed ---------  to 6000 ft. --  200 kts
                               6001 - 14000 ft. --  230 kts
                                above 14000 ft. --  265 kts

       MAX airspeed in proceedure turn -----------  250 kts.

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       CEILING & VISIBILITY
       --------------------
       Weather Minimums
       -------------------- visibility    CLOUD CLEARANCE  (note ^ means above
       Class G (day #1)       1 mi.       clear of clouds
       Class B  -----------   3 mi.       clear of clouds

       Class C  &  Class D    3 mi.       500' below, 1000' above, 2000' horiz
       Class E (below 10000)  3 mi.        "     "     "     "      "     "
       Class G (night #1)     3 mi.        "     "     "     "      "     "
       Class G (night #2)     3 mi.        "     "     "     "      "     "

       Class G (day #2)       1 mi.        "     "     "     "      "     "

       Class E (^ 10000 MSL)  5 mi.       1000' below  1000'above  1 mi. horiz
       Class G (^ 10000 MSL)  5 mi.        "      "      "   "      "     "
                ^ 1200 AGL

               Class G  -- #1 at or BELOW 1200 ft AGL -- less than 10000 MSL
               Class G  -- #2       ABOVE 1200 ft AGL -- less than 10000 MSL


       IFR fuel reqm't  ----------------  1 HOUR before & after ETA
                 ceiling 2000 Ft. & 3 sm. visibility -- or LESS
                PIC must have fuel to fly to intended landing then to an
                alternate then for 45 MIN.

       Filing Alternate ----------------  2 HOURs before & after ETA
                 precision approach - ceiling 600 ft ; 2 mi viz. -- Req'd
                 non-precision ------ ceiling 800 ft ; 2 mi viz. -- Req'd
                 no published approach  ---  VFR

       An airport rotating beacon operating during the day-time indicates
                visibility less than 3 mi. / ceilings below 1000 ft. in Class
                B, C & D airspace.

       Visual Approach Clearance -- may be given by ATC or requested by pilot
                 ceiling at or above 1000 with 3 mi. Visibility

       Contact Approach Clearance -- may be requested by pilot only
                 clear of clouds with 1 mi. Visibility

       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       EQUATIONS
       ---------

       1 sm  =  0.87 nm
       ----------------------


       std.lapse.rate = 2^c/1000 ft.  w/std.sea.level.temp = 15^c (59^f)
       ----------------------


       MH + RB = MB       magnetic heading+relative bearing=magnetic heading
       ----------------------


       compass turns - roll out calculation        (current)
             roll out heading = desired heading +- latitude +- 1/2 bank angle
       ----------------------


       climb gradient..... (ground speed) kts./60min x gradient ft/nm = f.p.m.

       ex. 120 kts./60min x 200 ft/nm = 400 f.p.m.
       ----------------------


       dist.to Sta. = time X kts / ^ change

           distance to station = time x true airspeed / degrees change
           (for a 90^ bearing intercept)

       dist.to.sta = time (x^ change) X kts

           isosceles traingle method to calculate distance to station - fly
           5 to 10^ off your current radial and not time it takes to intercept
           the radial that is the same number of degree off the original.
       ----------------------


       Trigonometry

               /|                  /|
          H  /  | o              /x | a
           /    | p         H  /    | d
         / x    | p          /      | j
       /--------|          /--------|
          adj.                opp.

       SIN x = side opp. / Hypotenuse
       COS x = side adj. / Hypotenuse
       TAN x = opp. / adj.
       ----------------------



       E6B Flight Computer
       -------------------
           TAS (true airspeed) calculation
           -------------------------------
           1> set TEMP over PRESSURE ALTITUDE
           2> read the TAS on the outer ring -- which corresponds to the CAS
              on the inner ring




       CHECKRIDE BRIEF
       ---------------
       ..  cell phones off
       ..  verify examiner egress procedure & equipment usage
       ..  positive transfer of controls
       ..  sterile cockpit
       -------------------
       REMEMBER to perform BREAK CHECK -- for low visibility instrument
                      takeoffs faulty breaks can disturb T.O. alignment.

       VERBALIZE everything ...
       hold entry, procedure turns, missed approach, partial panel roll-out



        (c) 2009  DR-KNOW / IQ-2k Information Services


TOP     articles     videos     podcasts     home

Information eQuation (BOOK)
Information eQuation (examples)


EMAIL Your COMMENTS to DR-KNOW

Please support this web site by giving any amount via PAYPAL ("money TRANSFER") to todd@dr-know.biz