Navigation

Be sure to use the latest weight and balance information in VOR station that is off the direct route, but makes navigating the FAA-approved AFM or other permanent aircraft records, easier, may be chosen (radio navigation is discussed later in as appropriate, to obtain empty weight and empty weight this chapter). CG information. Appropriate checkpoints should be selected along the route Determine the takeoff and landing distances from the and noted in some way. These should be easy-to-locate appropriate charts, based on the calculated load, elevation points, such as large towns, large lakes and rivers, or of the airport, and temperature; then compare these distances combinations of recognizable points, such as towns with with the amount of runway available. Remember, the an airport, towns with a network of highways, and railroads heavier the load and the higher the elevation, temperature, entering and departing. or humidity, the longer the takeoff roll and landing roll and the lower the rate of climb. Normally, choose only towns indicated by splashes of yellow on the chart. Do not choose towns represented by a small Check the fuel consumption charts to determine the rate of circle—these may turn out to be only a half-dozen houses. (In fuel consumption at the estimated flight altitude and power isolated areas, however, towns represented by a small circle settings. Calculate the rate of fuel consumption, and compare can be prominent checkpoints.) For this trip, four checkpoints it with the estimated time for the flight so that refueling points have been selected. Checkpoint 1 consists of a tower located along the route can be included in the plan. east of the course and can be further identified by the highway and railroad track, which almost parallels the course at this Charting the Course point. Checkpoint 2 is the obstruction just to the west of the course and can be further identified by Will Rogers World Once the weather has been checked and some preliminary Airport, which is directly to the east. Checkpoint 3 is Wiley planning completed, it is time to chart the course and Post Airport, which the aircraft should fly directly over. determine the data needed to accomplish the flight. The Checkpoint 4 is a private, non-surfaced airport to the west of following sections provide a logical sequence to follow in the course and can be further identified by the railroad track charting the course, complete a flight log, and filing a flight and highway to the east of the course. plan. In the following example, a trip is planned based on the following data and the sectional chart excerpt in Figure 16-25. The course and areas on either side of the planned route should be checked to determine if there is any type of airspace Route of flight: Chickasha Airport direct to Guthrie Airport with which the pilot should be concerned or which has True airspeed (TAS)........................................115 knots special operational requirements. For this trip, it should be noted that the course passes through a segment of the Class Winds aloft...........................................360° at 10 knots C airspace surrounding Will Rogers World Airport where the Usable fuel.....................................................38 gallons floor of the airspace is 2,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) and Fuel rate...............................................................8 GPH the ceiling is 5,300 feet MSL (point B). Also, there is Class D airspace from the surface to 3,800 feet MSL surrounding Deviation..................................................................+2° Wiley Post Airport (point C) during the time the control tower is in operation. Steps in Charting the Course The following is a suggested sequence for arriving at the Study the terrain and obstructions along the route. This is pertinent information for the trip. As information is determined, necessary to determine the highest and lowest elevations, it may be noted as illustrated in the example of a flight log in as well as the highest obstruction to be encountered so Figure 16-26. Where calculations are required, the pilot may an appropriate altitude that conforms to 14 CFR part 91 use a mathematical formula or a manual or electronic flight regulations can be selected. If the flight is to be flown computer. If unfamiliar with the use of a manual or electronic at an altitude of more than 3,000 feet above the terrain, computer, it would be advantageous to read the operation conformance to the cruising altitude appropriate to the manual and work several practice problems at this point. direction of flight is required. Check the route for particularly rugged terrain so it can be avoided. Areas where a takeoff First, draw a line from Chickasha Airport (point A) directly or landing is made should be carefully checked for tall to Guthrie Airport (point F). The course line should begin at obstructions. Television transmitting towers may extend to the center of the airport of departure and end at the center of altitudes over 1,500 feet above the surrounding terrain. It is the destination airport. If the route is direct, the course line essential that pilots be aware of their presence and location. consists of a single straight line. If the route is not direct, it For this trip, it should be noted that the tallest obstruction is consists of two or more straight line segments. For example, a 16-18