Pilot leaflet. Contents. Sai-kee Wong. June 2, 2007 CONTENTS 1

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1 CONTENTS 1 Pilot leaflet Sai-kee Wong June 2, 2007 Paragraph(s) enclosed in a double box like that is for Helicopter. Contents 1 Warning Wire strike Haze General Abbreviation ARROW Aircraft maintenance record License Class rating MEL Weather information METAR TAF PIREP Radar weather reports (SDs) RADAT FA Charts Inflight aviation Wx advisories AIRMET, SIGMET, conv SIGMET AIRMET SIGMET Convective SIGMET International SIGMET Severe Weather Watch Bulletins (WWs) and Alert Messages (AWWs) Center Weather Advisories (CWAs) Call for weather briefing EFAS (flight watch) References Preflight Signs Fuel Aeromedical Alcohol SCUBA diving NOTAMs NOTAM-D NOTAM-L FDC-NOTAM Pre-take-off check Post-flight Radio ATC AWOS ASOS HIWAS TWEB VFR flight following CTAF Segmented circle Aerodynamics Airspeed Altitude Pressure altitude Density altitude Airspace Class G, uncontrolled airspace Class E Class D Class C Class B Class A Restricted area Things you should know Maintenance Emergency Engine fire in flight Door opening in flight Taxiing Engine power loss Lost comm Fuel Mixture control Carburetor Ice Others HASELL Alternators Weight and balance Myopia Use of oxygen About Cherokee Performance Fuel Descent Engine fire on ground Electrical failure b.tex 1 Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

2 2 GENERAL Gauges PPL Practical Test Traffic pattern Slow flight Stalls Flapless power off stall Flapped power off stall Flapped power off turning stall Flapless power on stall Flapped power on stall Flapped power on turning stall Landing Navigation Pilotage Dead Reckoning Lost / Diversion procedures VOT Night flight Ready for exam Warning 1.1 Wire strike average 115 pilots hit wires / year its not limited to low-hour amateur, > 50% accidents is with pilots who have 1,000+ hrs log 70% were occured 100 AGL airplane striking wire are 4 times rotorcraft 75% fixed-wing and rotary wing are destroyed or severe damaged in wire strike 1.2 Haze The most dangerous part about Haze is: when you re in haze environment, after flying some time, its hard to tell when you are in haze or in cloud. 2 General 2.1 Abbreviation AME CIG IFR PIREP ppt RCO S&L TFR VFR ADIZ FSDO HPC STC Aeronautical Medical Expert Ceiling instrument flight rules pilot reported weather information precipitation Remote Communications Outlets Straight-and-level Temporary Flight Restriction visual flight rules Air Defense Identification Zone FAA Flight Standards District Office Hydrometeorological Prediction Center prepares weather charts including basic weather elements of temperature, fronts and pressure patterns supplemental type certificate 2.2 ARROW Documents you need in the aircraft: Airworthiness certificate Registration certificate Radio station license (required by FCC for outside US) Operating limitations (POH) Weight and balance data (in POH) Airworthiness Directive (AD) A regulatory notice that is sent out by the FAA to the registered owners of aircraft informing them of the discovery of a condition that keeps their aircraft from continuing to meet its conditions for airworthiness. AD must be complied with within the required time limit, and the fact of compliance, the date of compliance, and the method of compliance must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records. 2.3 Aircraft maintenance record You need to check the aircraft maintenance record for annual inspection record 100hr (for hire aircraft) inspection record PITOT/Static (24 months) inspection record transponder (24 months) inspection record ELT (12 months or battery used 50% or 1hr) inspection records For example, the aircraft maintenance record used in Anglo is maintained by The adlog, aircraft maintenance recordkeeping system. You can find the current status from this file or a summary on the wyteboard. In the Airframe section of this file, you can find annual and 100hr inspection records. Find the pitot/static, transponder and ELT inspection records from the Avionics section. The Airworthiness Directives (AD) section documented remedy action need to be taken according to the latest finding. Green AD is do it once. Red AD is re-currance and may be shown/referred in annual inspection record. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

3 3 WEATHER INFORMATION License US pilot license does not expire. The validity is maintained by proficiency and currency. Every 24 calendar months, a pilot needs a flight review, or check-ride or Biannual Flight proficiency Review (BFR). For the currency, in order to carry pax, you need to do at least 3 landing and takeoff in last 90 days. For tailwheel, they must be full stop. For night flight, they must be 3 full stops at night. 2.5 Class rating Category: Airplane, Rotorcraft, Glider, Lighter-thanair, Powered-lift, Powered parachute, Weight-shift-control aircraft. Classes: Airplane: ASEL, AMEL, ASES, AMES. Rotorcraft: Helicopter, Gyroplane. Lighter-than-air: Airship, Balloon. Weight-shift-control aircraft: Weight-shift-control aircraft land, Weight-shift-control aircraft sea. Powered parachute: Powered parachute land, Powered parachute sea. Aircraft type: Large aircraft other than lighter-than-air. Turbojet-powered airplanes. Other aircraft type ratings specified by the Administrator through the aircraft type certification procedures. 2nd-in-command pilot type rating for aircraft that is certificated for operations with a minimum crew of at least 2 pilots. Instrument ratings (on PPL & CPL only) Instrument Airplane. Instrument Helicopter. Instrument Powered-lift. Examples about Cat/Class/Type of pilot license: Airplane/SEL/ Rotorcraft/Helicopter/R22 Rotorcraft/Helicopter/R44 Rotorcraft/Gyroplane/ 2.6 MEL Minimum Equipment List (MEL) can be requested from FAA, they may request you to submit one for approval if necessary. Without MEL, the following is the default MEL (TOMATOFFLAMES) for VFR day: Tacho Oil pressure gauge Manifold pressure gauge Altimeter Temp (liquid cool engine) Oil temperature gauge Fuel gauge Floatation (when you need to fly over sea, you need to have life-jackeet) Landing gear status (retractable) Airspeed Magnetic compass ELT Safety belts The following is the default MEL (FLAPS) for VFR night: MEL for VFR day Fuses Landing (for hire aeroplane only) Anti-collision light (anti-collision BEACON) Position lights Source (of electrical) Strobe light is not in MEL, if you use it, turn strobe light on as pre-takeoff action; turn it off as post-landing action. 3 Weather information Ceiling is the lowest BKN or OVC layer or VV MHz flight watch. METAR Aviation routine weather report, observation of surface weather. TAF Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, predicts surface weather expected at an airport. FA Aviation Forecast, predicts general weather conditions over a wide area. SIGMET Significant Meterological Conv Convection Significant Meterological SIG- MET AIRMET Airmen s Meteorological Info, covers 3,000 sq. miles area. EFAS Enroute Flight Advisory Service With internet, you can get the extensive weather report through Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

4 3 WEATHER INFORMATION METAR METAR KTPA Z AUTO 08020G38KT 1/2SM R36L/2400FT +TSRA SCT008 OVC012CB 20/18 A2995 RMK A02 TSB24RAB24 SLP134 Decoded report: Routine observation for Tampa, FL, on the 12 th day of the month at 2150 UTC. Automated Station. Wind from 080 at 20 knots with gusts to 38 knots. Prevailing visibility 1 2 statute mile, runway 36 Left visual range 2,400 feet. Thunderstorm with heavy rain. Scattered clouds at 800 feet AGL, overcast cumulonimbus clouds with bases of 1,200 feet AGL. Temperature 20 C, dewpoint 18 C. Altimeter setting inches of mercury. Remarks: Automated station with precipitation discriminator, thunderstorm begain 24 minutes past the hour, rain began 24 minutes past the hour, sea level pressure hectopascals. METAR Type of report KTPA Z Station designator and day/time of report AUTO Modifier 08020G38KT Wind info 1/2SM R36L/2400FT Visibility +TSRA Present weather SCT008 OVC012CB Sky condition 20/18 Temperature/dew point A2995 Altimeter RMK A02 TSB24RAB24 SLP134 Remark Synopsis = general situation Type of report METAR hourly Observation (normally at hh:50). SPECI unscheduled special weather report. Station designator 4 char ICAO identifier for the airport, K??? is used for US. PA?? for Alaska, PH?? for Hawaii, CU?? CW?? CY?? CZ?? for Canada. See P.4-13 to 4-16 (P.69 to 72 in the pdf file) in Aviation Weather Services AC00-45E for details. Day of month and Time of report in Zulu (UTC) Modifier AUTO Automated COR Corrected Manual station or manual input Wind info 00000KT calm 20014KT Wind from 200 at 14 knots 15010G25 Wind from 150 at 10 knots, gusts to 25 knots VRB04KT Wind variable in direction at 4 knots G130KT Wind from 210 at 103 knots with gusts to 130 knots First 3 digits = direction or VRB Next 2 digits = speed in knots, or 3 digits if speed > 99KT. G = highest gust followed by speed. If wind direction varies > 60 and speed > 6 kts, it follows by something like 020V090 which means wind is blowing from 020 varying to 090 Visibility Runway visual range (RVR), variable RVR is???v???, outside US, RVR is normally in meters. Present weather - light moderate + heavy VC = weather 5 to 10 miles from airport center Descriptor: for precipitation or obstructions to visibility: TS Thunderstorm DR low Drifting SH Shower(s) MI Shallow FZ Freezing BC Patches BL Blowing PR Partial Precipitation types: RA Rain GR Hail ( 1 4 ) increments DZ Drizzle GS Small hail/snow pellets SN Snow PE ice Pellets SG Snow grains IC ice Crystals UP Unknown Precipitation (Automated stations only) Obscurations to visibility: FG Fog (vsby <5 SM) PY Spray 8 BR Mist (vsby 5 8 6SM) SA Sand FU Smoke DU Widespread Dust HZ Haze VA Volcanic Ash Other Phenomena: SQ Squalls SS Sandstorm DS DustStorm PO Dust/Sand swirls FC Funnel Cloud +FC Tornado or Waterspout 1/4SM FG 1 1/2SM BR HZ Sky condition SKC sky clear by manual report CLR sky clear by auto report FEW (< 1 8 )to 2 8 sky cover SCT Scattered, sky cover BKN Broken, sky cover OVC Overcast, 8 8 sky cover Height: 3 digits in 100 ft AGL. Type: towering cumulus (TCU) or cumulonimbus (CB) clouds reported after the height of their base. VV vertical visibility: height into a total obscuration in hundreds of ft. Ceiling is AGL height of the lowest layer of clouds aloft of Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

5 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 5 BKN or OVC; or vertical visibility into obscuration, such as fog or haze. Temperature/dew point 2-digits C with M prefix for -ve Temperature and dew point may be added to remarks in 8-digit format showing 1/10 of C (see example in RMK) Altimeter Inches of mercury, prefixed by A. Remark S.L.P. = Sea Level Pressure always add 1000 or 900 to make it closest to means minibar $ means need maintenance, inaccurate Example: A01 A02 PK WND 20032/25 VIS 3/4V1 1/2 FRQ LTG NE WSHFT 30 FROPA B E FZDZB45 RAE42SNB42 Automated station Automated station with precipitation discriminator Peak wind from 200 at 32 knots, 25 minutes past the hour Prevailing visibility variable 3 4 to 11 2 miles Frequent lightning to the northeast Wind shift accompanied by frontal passage beginning at 30 minutes after the hour Began or Ended followed by time (minutes after the hour) Freezing drizzle began at 45 past the hour Rain ended and snow began at 42 past the hour PRESFR Pressure falling rapidly TS SE MOV Thunderstorms southeast moving northeast NE SLP045 Sea level pressure in hectopascals and 1 10, hpa T Temperature/dewpoint in 1 10 C, 0.8 C / -1.6 C Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

6 3 WEATHER INFORMATION TAF Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF). Normally at 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, 1800Z. Forecast for 24hr. Codes are mostly same as METAR. 5 s.m. radius from the center of an airport s runway complex. TAF Aviation terminal forecast KPIR Pierre, South Dakota Z prepared on the 11th at 1140Z valid period: from the 11th at 1200Z until the 12th at 1200Z 13012KT wind: 130 at 12 knots P6SM visibility > 6 s.m. (significant weather forecast ommited) BKN100 sky condition: ceiling 10,000 broken WS020/35035KT wind shear at 2,000 feet, wind (at 2,000 feet) from 350 at 35 knots TEMPO 1214 change indicator: temporary conditions between 1200Z 1400Z 5SM visibility 5 statute miles BR mist FM1500 change indicator: from 1500Z 16015G25KT wind 160 at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots P6SM visibility greater than 6 statute miles SCT040 BKN250 4,000 scattered, ceiling 25,000 broken FM0000 change indicator: from 0000Z 14012KT wind 140 at 12 knots P6SM visibility greater than 6 statute miles BKN080 OVC150 ceiling 8,000 broken, 15,000 overcast PROB probability: 40% between 0000Z and 0400Z 3SM visibility 3 statute miles TSRA thunderstorm with moderate rain showers BKN030CB ceiling 3,000 broken with cumulonimbus FM0400 change indicator: from 0400Z 14008KT wind 140 at 8 knots P6SM visibility greater than 6 statute miles SCT040 OVC080 4,000 scattered, ceiling 8,000 overcast TEMPO 0408 change indicator: temporary conditions between 0400Z 0800Z 3SM visibility 3 statute miles TSRA thunderstorms with moderate rain showers OVC030CB ceiling 3,000 overcast with cumulonimbus BECMG 0810 change indicator: becoming between 0800Z and 1000Z 32007KT= wind 320 at 7 knots; the equal sign signifies the end of the TAF TAF KPIR Z KT P6SM BKN100 WS020/35035KT TEMPO SM BR FM G25KT P6SM SCT040 BKN250 FM KT P6SM BKN080 OVC150 PROB SM TSRA BKN030CB FM KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080 TEMPO SM TSRA OVC030CB BECMG KT= TAF KOKC Z KT 5SM BR BKN030 TEMPO /2SM BR FM KT P6SM SKC BECMG G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB SM TSRA OVC0B BECMG KT P6SM NSW= TAF Aviation terminal forecast KOKC Oklahoma City Z prepared on the 5th at 1130Z valid period: from the 5th at 1200Z until the 6th at 1200Z 14008KT wind: 140 at 8 knots 5SM BR visibility 5 statute miles, significant weather forecast: Mist BKN030 sky condition: ceiling 3,000 broken TEMPO 1316 change indicator: temporary conditions between 1300Z 1600Z 1 1/2SM visibility statute miles BR mist FM1600 change indicator: from 1600Z 16010KT wind 160 at 10 knots P6SM visibility greater than 6 statute miles SKC sky clear BECMG 2224 change indicator: becoming between 2200Z and 2400Z 20013G20KT wind 200 at 13 knots gusting to 20 knots 4SM visibility 4 statute miles SHRA OVC020 moderate rain shower, 2,000 overcast PROB probability: 40% between 0000Z and 0600Z 2SM visibility 2 statute miles TSRA thunderstorm with moderate rain showers OVC008CB sky overcast with bases of cumulonimbus clouds at 800 feet AGL BECMG 0608 change indicator: becoming between 0600Z and 0800Z 21015KT P6SM wind 210 at 15 knots; visibility greater than 6 statute miles NSW= no significant weather, the equal sign signifies the end of the TAF Type of report Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

7 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 7 TAF routine report TAF AMD amended forecast. Forecaster feels the TAF does not represent the present / expected. TAF COR corrected TAF RTD delayed Day/time of issuance is the date and UTC the forecast is actually prepared. Routine TAFs are prepared and filed approximately 1 2 hour prior to scheduled issuance times Z Forecast prepared on the eleventh day of the month at 1140Z. Valid period 2 digits day of month, 2 digits beginning hours, 2 digits ending hours Forecast valid from the eleventh at 12Z to the twelfth at 12Z Forecast valid from the thirtieth at 00Z to the first at 00Z. The valid period may be less than 24 hours for AMD COR RTD At part time airport, AMD are not issued after closing time. E.g., airport closes at 0500Z, the TAF may have NIL AMD NOT SKED AFT 0500Z AMD NOT SKED (amendment not scheduled) NIL AMD (no amendment) will be issued after the forecast information AMD NOT SKED AFT closing timez (amendment not scheduled after closing time) will be used if the times of the observations are known and judged reliable. During the time the station is closed and a TAF is issued, there will be no forecast as indicated by NIL (no TAF) after the valid date and time group. Only after two METARs observations have been disseminated will a TAF be issued. AMD LTD TO CLD VIS AND WIND (amendment limited to clouds, visibility, and wind) is used at observation sites that have part-time manual augmentation. This remark means that there will be amendments only for clouds, visibility, and wind. There will be no amendments for thunderstorms or freezing/frozen precipitation. Expected Prevailing Visibility P6SM = plus 6 statue miles 1 1/2SM = s.m. If prevailing visibility is =< 6 s.m., one or more weather phenomena must be included in the significant weather forecast. If volcanic ash is forecasted, the visibility must also be forecasted even if the visibility is > 6 s.m. Sector or variable visibility is not forecasted. Significant Weather Forecast and obstructions to visibility Precipitation and volcanic ash will always be included. Obscurations to vision will be forecasted whenever the prevailing visibility is forecasted to be =< 6 s.m. FM KT 1SM BR SKC FM KT P6SM -RA BKN020 FM KT P6SM VA SCT100 If no significant weather is expected to occur during a specific time period in the forecast, the weather group is omitted for that time period. However, if after a time period in which significant weather has been forecasted, a change to a forecast of no significant weather occurs, the contraction NSW (no significant weather) will appear as the weather included in BECMG or TEMPO groups. NSW will not be used in the initial time period of a TAF or in FM groups. FM KT 3SM RA BKN030 BECMG 0810 P6SM NSW If the forecaster determines that in the vicinity of the airport there could be weather that impacts aviation, the forecaster will include those conditions after the weather group. The letters VC describe conditions that will occur within the vicinity of an airport 5 10 s.m. and will be used only with FG SH TS. P6SM VCFG fog in the vicinity 5SM BR VCSH showers in the vicinity P6SM VCTS thunderstorms in the vicinity Cumulonimbus clouds CB are the only cloud type fore- Sky Condition Forecast casted in TAFs. BKN100 SCT040 BKN030CB FEW008 BKN015 When the sky is obscured due to a surface-based phenomenon, vertical visibility VV into the obscuration is forecasted. VV008 is 800 ft vertical visibility Partial obscurations are not forecasted. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

8 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 8 Nonconvective low-level wind shear forecast (optional) is included immediately after the cloud and obscuration group when wind shear criteria have been or will be met. Height AGL =< 2,000 ft. WS020/36035KT Forecast change indicators If a significant change in any of the elements is expected during the valid period, a new time period with the changes is included. Rapid FM, gradual BECMG, or temporary TEMPO change indicator will be used. From FM Group is used when a rapid and significant change, usually occurring in < 1 hr, in prevailing conditions is expected. Appended to the FM indicator hhmm indicating when the change is expected to begin. The forecast is valid until the next change group or until the end of the current forecast. The FM group will mark the beginning of a new line in a TAF report. Each FM group shall contain a forecast of wind, visibility, weather (if significant), sky condition, and wind shear (if warranted). FM groups will not include the contraction NSW. FM G25KT P6SM SCT040 BKN250 FM KT 3SM TSRA FEW010 BKN030CB Becoming BECMG Group is used when a gradual change in conditions is expected over a period =< 2 hrs. The time period is a 4-digits for beginning and ending hrs of the change. The gradual change will occur at an unspecified time within the time period. Only the changing forecasted meteorological conditions are included in BECMG groups. Omitted conditions are carried over from the previous time group. FM KT P6SM BKN030 BECMG 0103 OVC015 This BECMG group describes a gradual change in sky condition from BKN030 to OVC015. The change in sky conditions occurs between 01Z and 03Z. Refer back to the FM2000 group for the wind and visibility conditions. The forecast after 03Z will be: 18020KT P6SM OVC015. FM KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080 TEMPO SM TSRA OVC030CB BECMG KT= This BECMG group describes a gradual change in wind direction only beginning between 08Z and 10Z. Refer back to the previous forecast group, in this case the FM0400 group, for the prevailing visibility, weather, and sky conditions. The forecast after 10Z will be: 32007KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080. Temporary TEMPO Group is used for temporary fluctuations of wind, visibility, weather, or sky condition that are expected to last for generally < 1 hr at a time (occasional), and expected to occur during < half the time period. The TEMPO indicator is followed by a 4-digit group marks the beginning and ending hrs of the time period during which the temporary conditions are expected. Only the changing forecasted meteorological conditions are included in TEMPO groups. The omitted conditions are carried over from the previous time group. FM KT P6SM SKC TEMPO SM BR This temporary group describes visibility and weather between 12Z and 16Z. The winds and sky condition have been omitted. Go back to the previous forecast group, FM1000, to obtain the wind and sky condition forecast. The forecast between 12Z and 16Z is: 27005KT 3SM BR SKC. FM KT P6SM SCT040 OVC080 TEMPO SM TSRA OVC030CB BECMG KT= This temporary group describes visibility, weather, and sky condition between 04Z and 08Z. The winds have been omitted. Go back to the previous forecast group, FM0400, to obtain the wind forecast. The forecast between 04Z and 08Z is: 14008KT 3SM TSRA OVC030CB. Probability forecast (PROB30 or PROB40) describes the probability or chance of TS or other precipitation events occurring, along with associated weather conditions (wind, visibility, and sky conditions). The probability forecast will not be used in the first 6 hrs of the TAF. The PROB30 or PROB40 group is used when the occurrence of TS or precipitation is in the 30% < 40% or 40% < 50% range, respectively. If the TS or precipitation chance is > 50%, it is considered a prevailing weather condition and is included in the significant weather section or the TEMPO change indicator group. PROB30 or PROB40 is followed by a 4-digit time group giving the beginning and ending hours of the time period during which the TS or precipitation is expected. FM KT P6SM BKN020 PROB SM RA BKN015 Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

9 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 9 This example depicts a 30% < 40% chance of 1 s.m., moderate rain, and a broken In this example, there is a 40% < 50% chance of visibility 3 s.m. thunderstorms with cloud layer (ceiling) at 1,500 ft between the hrs of 10-14Z. moderate rain showers, and a broken cloud layer (ceiling) at 3,000 ft with cumulonimbus FM KT P6SM BKN080 OVC150 PROB SM TSRA BKN030CB between the hours of 00-04Z. 3.3 PIREP outlook (valid 6 hrs) each station. Wind conditions are reported by an arrow Type UA routine attached to the station location circle. VFR (> 3K ft visibility > 5s.m.) UUA urgent /OV over IFR UBG miles from UBG MVFR (marginal VFR, ceiling 1K 3K ft visibility 3 5s.m.) 3.4 Radar weather reports (SDs) Normally issued hourly. 3.5 RADAT Freezing level RADAT Relative humidity 87%, freezing level 4,500 ft MSL. Up to 3 freezing levels (low, medium, and high) may be reported in RADATs. 3.6 FA Area Forcast, for long cross country: synopsis (valid 18 hrs) clouds and Wx (valid 12 hrs) Except as specified, all charts are computer-generated chart. The station circle represents the head of the arrow, with the arrow pointing in the direction from which the wind is blowing. Winds are described by the direction from which they blow, thus a northwest wind means that the wind is blowing from the northwest toward the southeast. The speed of the wind is depicted by barbs or pennants placed on the wind line. Each barb represents a speed of 3.7 Charts ten knots, while half a barb is equal L to five knots, and a pennant is equal to 50 knots. Surface weather maps provide information about fronts, areas of H and L pressure, surface winds & pressures for Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

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13 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 13 TAF SIGMET Conv SIG Intl SIG AIRMET WW AWW CWA Type TAF WS WST WA WW AWW CWA Coverage 5 sm from runway > 3,000 sq miles complex 8 area 3 area 8 area Freq Unschedule update 6 hrs Unschedule Unschedule correction Issued time 0000Z 0600Z 1200Z 1800Z hh:55 01:45 UTC (Daylight) 02:45 UTC (Standard) Valid period 24 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 4 hrs 6 hrs hurricanes 6 hrs hurricanes tropical storms 12 hrs volcanic ash Type Surface analysis Weather depiction Radar summary chart Intl SIG AIRMET WW AWW CWA chart chart Feature overview of observed Identify area of ppt and TS flying cat conditions Begins 01Z 0035Z Interval 3 hrs 3 hrs 1 hr Validity at the time of plot Remark doesn t tell CIG from METAR from collection of SDs Frontal analysis by Human frontal HPC forecasters analysis Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

14 3 WEATHER INFORMATION Inflight aviation Wx advisories Inflight Advisory Plotting Chart Geographical areas and terrain features Alaska area forecast sectors Hawaii area forecast locations 3.9 AIRMET, SIGMET, conv SIGMET SIGMETs/AIRMETs are issued corresponding to FA areas in above 3 figures. Max forecast period is 4 hrs for SIGMET; 6 hrs for AIRMET. Cover area of > 3,000 sq.miles AIRMET 1. AIRMETs (WAs) are advisories of significant weather phenomena but describe conditions at intensities lower than those which require the issuance of SIGMETs. AIRMETs are intended for dissemination to all pilots in the preflight and en route phase of flight to enhance safety. AIRMET Bulletins are issued on a scheduled basis every 6 hours beginning at 0145 UTC during Central Daylight Time and at 0245 UTC during Central Standard Time. Unscheduled updates and corrections are issued as necessary. Each AIRMET Bulletin contains any current AIRMETs in effect and an outlook for conditions expected after the AIRMET valid period. AIRMETs contain details about IFR, extensive mountain obscuration, turbulence, strong surface winds, icing, and freezing levels. 2. There are 3 AIRMETs: Sierra, Tango, and Zulu. After the first issuance each day, scheduled or unscheduled bulletins are numbered sequentially for easier identification. (a) AIRMET Sierra wide spread IFR conditions and/or extensive mountain obscurations. (b) AIRMET Tango moderate turbulence, > 30 Kts sustained surface winds, and/or nonconvective LLWS. (c) AIRMET Zulu moderate icing and provides freezing level heights. Example of AIRMET Sierra issued for the Chicago FA area: CHIS WA AIRMET SIERRA UPDT 3 FOR IFR AND MTN OBSCN VALID UNTIL AIRMET IFR...SD NE MN IA MO WI LM MI IL IN KY FROM 70NW RAP TO 50W RWF TO 50W MSN TO GRB TO MBS TO FWA TO CVG TO HNN TO TRI TO ARG TO 40SSW BRL TO OMA TO BFF TO 70NW RAP OCNL CIG BLW 010/VIS BLW 3SM FG/BR. CONDS ENDG 15Z?17Z. AIRMET MTN OBSCN...KY TN FROM HNN TO TRI TO CHA TO LOZ TO HNN MTNS OCNL OBSC CLDS/PCPN/BR. CONDS ENDG TN PTN AREA 18Z? 20Z..CONTG KY BYD 20Z..ENDG 02Z. Example of AIRMET Tango issued for the Salt Lake City FA area: SLCT WA AIRMET TANGO UPDT 2 FOR TURB VALID UNTIL AIRMET TURB...NV UT CO AZ NM FROM LKV TO CHE TO ELP TO 60S TUS TO YUM TO EED TO RNO TO LKV OCNL MOD TURB BLW FL180 DUE TO MOD SWLY/WLY WNDS. CONDS CONTG BYD Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

15 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 15 20Z THRU 02Z. AIRMET TURB...NV WA OR CA CSTL WTRS FROM BLI TO REO TO BTY TO DAG TO SBA TO 120W FOT TO 120W TOU TO BLI OCNL MOD TURB BTWN FL180 AND FL400 DUE TO WNDSHR ASSOCD WITH JTSTR. CONDS CONTG BYD 20Z THRU 02Z. Example of AIRMET Zulu issued for the San Francisco FA area: SFOZ WA AIRMET ZULU UPDT 2 FOR ICE AND FRZLVL VALID UNTIL AIRMET ICE...WA OR ID MT NV UT FROM YQL TO SLC TO WMC TO LKV TO PDT TO YDC TO YQL LGT OCNL MOD RIME/MXD ICGICIP BTWN FRZLVL AND FL220. FRZLVL 080?120. CONDS CONTG BYD 20Z THRU 02Z. AIRMET ICE...WA OR FROM YDC TO PDT TO LKV TO 80W MFR TO ONP TO TOU TO YDC LGT OCNL MOD RIME/MXD ICGICIP BTWN FRZLVL AND FL180. FRZLVL 060?080. CONDS CONTG BYD 20Z THRU 02Z. FRZLVL...WA CSTLN SLPG 100 XTRM E. OR...060?070 CASCDS WWD. 070?095 RMNDR. NRN CA...060?100 N OF A 30N FOT?40N RNO LN SLPG 100?110 RMNDR SIGMET Nonconvective weather hazardous to all aircraft. SIGMETs are unscheduled products that are valid for 4 hours. Conditions that are associated with hurricanes are valid for 6 hours. Unscheduled updates and corrections are issued as necessary. In the conterminous U.S., SIGMETs are issued if the following are expected to occur: Severe icing not associated with thunderstorms. Severe or extreme turbulence or clear air turbulence (CAT) not associated with thunderstorms. Dust storms or sandstorms lowering surface or inflight visibilities to below 3 miles. Volcanic ash. Visibility < 3 miles In Alaska and Hawaii, SIGMETs are also issued for: Tornadoes. Lines of thunderstorms. Embedded thunderstorms (thunderstorm inside clouds). Hail >= 3 4 in diameter. SIGMETs are identified by an alphabetic designator from November through Yankee excluding Sierra and Tango. (Sierra, Tango, and Zulu are reserved for AIRMETs.) The first issuance of a SIGMET will be labeled as UWS (Urgent Weather SIGMET). Subsequent issuances are at the forecasters discretion. Issuance for the same phenomenon will be sequentially numbered, using the original designator until the phenomenon ends. For example, the first issuance in the Chicago (CHI) FA area for phenomenon moving from the Salt Lake City (SLC) FA area will be SIGMET Papa 3, if the previous two issuances, Papa 1 and Papa 2, had been in the SLC FA area. Note that no two different phenomena across the country can have the same alphabetic designator at the same time. BOSR WS SIGMET ROMEO 2 VALID UNTIL ME NH VT FROM CAR TO YSJ TO CON TO MPV TO CAR MOD TO OCNL SEV TURB BLW 080 EXP DUE TO STG NWLY FLOW. CONDS CONTG BYD 1000Z Convective SIGMET Conv SIGMETs are issued in the conterminous U.S. for any of the following: Severe thunderstorm due to: Surface winds >= 50 knots. Hail at the surface >= 3 4 in diameter. Tornadoes. A line of thunderstorms. Embedded thunderstorms (thunderstorm inside clouds). Thunderstorms producing precipitation >= heavy precipitation affecting 40% or more of an area at least 3,000 sq.miles. Any conv SIGMET implies severe or greater turbulence, severe icing, and LLWS. A conv SIGMET may be issued for any convective situation that the forecaster feels is hazardous to all categories of aircraft. Conv SIGMET bulletins are issued for the western (W), central (C), and eastern (E) US. (Conv SIGMETs are not issued for Alaska or Hawaii.) The areas are separated at 87 and 107 west longitude with sufficient overlap to cover most cases when the phenomenon crosses the boundaries. Bulletins are issued hourly at hh:55. Special bulletins are issued at any time as required and updated at hh:55. If Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

16 3 WEATHER INFORMATION 16 no criteria meeting conv SIGMET requirements are observed or forecasted, the message CONVECTIVE SIGMET... NONE will be issued for each area at hh:55. Individual conv SIGMETs for each area (W, C, E) are numbered sequentially from number one each day, beginning at 00Z. A conv SIGMET for a continuing phenomenon will be reissued every hour at hh:55 with a new number. The text of the bulletin consists of either an observation and a forecast or just a forecast. The forecast is valid for up to 2 hrs. Example of a Conv SIGMET: MKCC WST CONVECTIVE SIGMET 54C VALID UNTIL 1855Z WI IL FROM 30E MSN?40ESE DBQ DMSHG LINE TS 15 NM WIDE MOV FROM 30025KT. TOPS TO FL450. WIND GUSTS TO 50 KT POSS. CONVECTIVE SIGMET 55C VALID UNTIL 1855Z WI IA FROM 30NNW MSN?30SSE MCW DVLPG LINE TS 10 NM WIDE MOV FROM 30015KT. TOPS TO FL300. CONVECTIVE SIGMET 56C VALID UNTIL 1855Z MT ND SD MN IA MI LINE TS 15 NM WIDE MOV FROM 27020KT. TOPS TO FL380. OUTLOOK VALID ? FROM 60NW ISN?INL?TVC?SBN?BRL?FSD? BIL?60NW ISN IR STLT IMGRY SHOWS CNVTV CLD TOP TEMPS OVER SRN WI HAVE BEEN WARMING STEADILY INDCG A WKNG TREND. THIS ALSO REFLECTED BY LTST RADAR AND LTNG DATA. WKNG TREND OF PRESENT LN MAY CONT...HWVR NEW DVLPMT IS PSBL ALG OUTFLOW BDRY AND/OR OVR NE IA/SW WI BHD CURRENT ACT. A SCND TS IS CONTG TO MOV EWD THRU ERN MT WITH NEW DVLPMT OCRG OVR CNTRL ND. MT ACT IS MOVG TWD MORE FVRBL AMS OVR THE WRN DAKS WHERE DWPTS ARE IN THE UPR 60S WITH LIFTED INDEX VALUES TO MS 6. TS EXPD TO INCR IN COVERAGE AND INTSTY DURG AFTN HRS. WST ISSUANCES EXPD TO BE RQRD THRUT AFTN HRS WITH INCRG PTNTL FOR STGR CELLS TO CONTAIN LRG HAIL AND PSBLY DMGG SFC WNDS International SIGMET 1. Some NWS offices have been designated by the ICAO as Meteorological Watch Offices (MWOs). These offices are responsible for issuing Intl SIGMETs for designated areas that include Alaska, Hawaii, portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico. 2. The offices which issue Intl SIGMETs are: (a) The AWC in Kansas City, Missouri. (b) The AAWU in Anchorage, Alaska. (c) The WFO in Honolulu, Hawaii. (d) The WFO on Guam Island in the Pacific Ocean. 3. These SIGMETs are considered widespread because they must be either affecting or be forecasted to affect an area of at least 3,000 square miles at any one time. The Intl SIGMET is issued for 12 hours for volcanic ash events, 6 hours for hurricanes and tropical storms, and 4 hours for all other events. Like the domestic SIGMETs, Intl SIGMETs are also identified by an alphabetic designator from Alpha through Mike and are numbered sequentially until that weather phenomenon ends. The criteria for an Intl SIGMET are: (a) Thunderstorms occurring in lines, embedded in clouds, or in large areas producing tornadoes or large hail. (b) Tropical cyclones. (c) Severe icing. (d) Severe or extreme turbulence. (e) Dust storms and sandstorms lowering visibilities to less than 3 miles. (f) Volcanic ash. Example of an Intl SIGMET: WSNT06 KKCI SIGA0F KZMA KZNY TJZS SIGMET FOXTROT 3 VALID / KKCI? MIAMI OCEANIC FIR NEW YORK OCEANIC FIR SAN JUAN FIR FRQ TS WI AREA BOUNDED BY 2711N6807W 2156N6654W 2220N7040W 2602N7208W 2711N6807W. TOPS TO FL470. MOV NE 15KT. WKN. BASED ON SAT AND LTG OBS. MOSHER Severe Weather Watch Bulletins (WWs) and Alert Messages (AWWs) 1. WWs define areas of possible severe thunderstorms or tornado activity. The bulletins are issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, OK. WWs are unscheduled and are issued as required. 2. A severe thunderstorm watch describes areas of expected severe thunderstorms. (Severe thunderstorm >3 criteria: 4 hail or larger and/or wind gusts of 50 knots (58 mph).) 3. A tornado watch describes areas where the threat of tornadoes exists. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

17 3 WEATHER INFORMATION In order to alert the WFOs, CWSUs, FSSs, and other users, a preliminary notification of a watch called the Alert Severe Weather Watch bulletin (AWW) is sent before the WW. (WFOs know this product as a SAW). Example of an AWW: MKC AWW WW 75 TORNADO TX OK AR Z?020000Z AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF A LINE..60ESE DAL/DALLAS TX/? 30 NW ARG/ WALNUT RIDGE AR/..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /58W GGG? 25NW ARG/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 3/4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN WIND VECTOR Soon after the AWW goes out, the actual watch bulletin itself is issued. A WW is in the following format: (a) Type of severe weather watch, watch area, valid time period, type of severe weather possible, watch axis, meaning of a watch, and a statement that persons should be on the lookout for severe weather. (b) Other watch information; i.e., references to previous watches. (c) Phenomena, intensities, hail size, wind speed (kts), maximum cumulonimbus (CB) tops, and estimated cell movement (mean wind vector). (d) Cause of severe weather. (e) Information on updating Convective Outlook (CA) products. Example of a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tatus reports are issued as needed to show progress of storms and to delineate areas no longer under the threat of severe storm activity. Cancellation bulletins are issued when it becomes evident that no severe weather will develop or that storms have subsided and are no longer severe. 7. When tornadoes or severe thunderstorms have developed, the local WFO office will issue the warnings covering those areas Center Weather Advisories (CWAs) CWAs are unscheduled inflight, flow control, air traffic, and air crew advisory. By nature of its short lead time, the CWA is not a flight planning product. It is generally a nowcast for conditions beginning within the next two hours. CWAs will be issued: 1. As a supplement to an existing SIGMET, Conv SIG- MET or AIRMET. 2. When an Inflight Advisory has not been issued but observed or expected weather conditions meet SIG- MET/AIRMET criteria based on current pilot reports and reinforced by other sources of information about existing meteorological conditions. 3. When observed or developing weather conditions do not meet SIGMET, Conv SIGMET, or AIRMET criteria; e.g., in terms of intensity or area coverage, but current pilot reports or other weather information sources indicate that existing or anticipated meteorological phenomena will adversely affect the safe flow of air traffic within the ARTCC area of responsibility. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

18 3 WEATHER INFORMATION The following example is a CWA issued from the Kansas City, Missouri, ARTCC. The 3 after ZKC in the first line denotes this CWA has been issued for the 3rd weather phenomena to occur for the day. The 301 in the second line denotes the phenomena number again (3) and the issuance number (01) for this phenomena. The CWA was issued at 2140Z and is valid until 2340Z. Example ZKC3 CWA ZKC CWA 301 VALID UNTIL ISOLD SVR TSTM over KCOU MOVG SWWD 10 KTS ETC Call for weather briefing Dial Wx-brief ( ) Have the following information ready: Indentify yourself as Student pilot (Private pilot or Instrument rated pilot). Requesting for the type of briefing (Standard briefing, Abbreviated briefing, Outlook briefing (request 6+ hrs before departure). Type of aeroplane and tail number. Type of flight you re planning (VFR or IFR). Departure airport Route of flight Destination Crusing altitude Departure time and en route time (or ETA) Standard briefing, you will have: Adverse Conditions VFR Flight not recommend Synopsis Current Conditions Enroute Forecast Destination Forecast Winds Aloft NOTAMs ATC delays Optional: MTRs, MOAs, approx density altitude FSS provides Wx briefing submit flight plan temporary flight restriction (TFR) MOA NOTAM 3.11 EFAS (flight watch) EFAS is a service provides en route aircraft with timely and meaningful weather advisories pertinent to the type of flight intended, route of flight, and altitude. operates 5,000 ft AGL 17,500 ft MSL on MHz. is central collection and distribution point for PIREP is provided by specially trained specialists in selected AFSSs controlling multiple RCO is normally available throughout the conterminous U.S. and Puerto Rico from 0600 to Discrete EFAS frequencies have been established to ensure communications coverage 18,000 45,000 MSL serving in each specific ARTCC area. These discrete frequencies may be used below 18,000 feet when coverage permits reliable communication. When an EFAS outlet is located in a time zone different from the zone in which the flight watch control station is located, the availability of service may be ± 1 hr from the normal operating hours. Cleveland Flight Watch, Cessna 1234K, Mansfield VOR, over. Where Cleveland Flight Watch is the name of ARTCC facility id serving the area of your location. Mansfield is name of the nearest VOR to your position. The specialist needs to know approximate location to select the most appropriate transmitter/receiver outlet for communications coverage. Charts has location of the flight watch control stations (parent facility). The outlets which the flight watch control stations use are contained in the A/FD. If you do not know in which flight watch area you are flying, call: Flight Watch, Cessna One Two Three Four Kilo, Mansfield VOR, over. The facility will respond using the name of the flight watch facility. AFSSs that provide En Route Flight Advisory Service are listed regionally in the A/FDs. EFAS is NOT for filing or closing flight plans, position reporting, getting complete preflight briefings, or obtaining random weather reports and forecasts. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

19 4 PREFLIGHT 19 EFAS are tailored to the phase of flight that begins after climb-out and ends with descent to land. Immediate destination weather and terminal aerodrome forecasts will be provided on request. Pilots requesting information not within the scope of flight watch will be advised of the appropriate AFSS/FSS frequency to obtain the information. Pilots are encouraged to report good weather as well as bad, and to confirm expected conditions as well as unexpected to EFAS facilities. (AIM 7-1-5) 3.12 References (require medical cert) 4 Preflight When you carry out preflight, refresh your memory once about the emergency procedures. Read through the check-list in the airplane once to have an impression where you will find the corresponding procedures in the checklist. This is important because when you were trapped in distress, you will be panic and may not be able to find out the needed procedure. 4.1 Signs Beacons at airports: Civilian land alternating white/green Military alternating (2 flash white)/green Heliport alternating green/yellow/white Most beacons are on from dusk until dawn. In daytime, they usually ON when the ceiling < 1,000 ft and/or ground visibility < 3 s.m. (normal VFR minimum). Shouldn t solely rely on it to point out weather conditions as many airports beacon is turned on by photoelectric cell / time clock where ATC personnel cannot control them. There is no regulatory requirement for daylight airport beacon operations. VASI visual approach slope indicator: red over white, you re all right. Normal glide path is 3 PAPI precision approach path indicator. Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) are high intensity white strobe lights placed on each side of the runway to mark the threshold. Pilot-controlled lighting: at the specified freq, key the mic 7 times to turn on. If it has variable intensity and the conditions permit, key 5 times to turn to mid, 3 times for low. 4.2 Fuel VFR fuel minimum Cat. day night Airplane Rotorcraft Aeromedical Alcohol FAR prohibit you from flying within 8 hrs (24 hrs for ATP) after drinking any alcoholic beverage or when you blood alcohol content is >= 0.04% in weight. It is recommend to allow at least 12 hrs between bottle and throttle SCUBA diving For N 2 absorption reason, it is recommended: =< 8,000 ft MSL flight, > 12 hrs after diving which doesn t require controlled ascent (nondecompression stop diving). =< 8,000 ft MSL flight, > 24 hrs after diving which requires controlled ascent (decompression stop diving). > 8,000 ft MSL flight, > 24 hrs after any SCUBA diving 4.4 NOTAMs Notices to Airmen, contains info affect your decision to fly. Reports changes in status of airports or airway facilities. Info such as rwy closures, obstructions in app/dep paths to airports, outages or curtailed operations hours of navaids/atc facilites NOTAM-D Distant. Append to hourly weather reports NOTAM-L Local. NOT append to hourly weather reports, you need to specifically request from FSS which repsonsible for the concerned airport FDC-NOTAM Document work. 4.5 Pre-take-off check During magneto check, if the drop of an magneto is more than 100 rpm, it could be due to some residue/carbon sticked in the sparkle plug. You can attempt to clean it by: increase the power to 2,000 rpm Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

20 5 RADIO 20 lean the engine (more air, less fuel to allow complete burning of residue) run for 1 minute and perform the magneto check again 4.6 Post-flight Before you shutdown aircraft radio, you can tune to 121.5MHz to identify if the ELT is accidentally activated. It can also be operationally tested during the 1st 5 minutes after any hour. 5 Radio VHF freq MHz, increment 25KHz. Some transceivers have 720 rather than 760 channels, their coverage is up to MHz MHz Emergency MHz EFAS (Enroute Flight Advisory Service) MHz majority FSS enroute simplex frequency (if you don t know the FSS s freq, always work) MHz certain FSS provide local airport advisory MHz MULTICOM MHz UNICOM 122.7, , 122.8, , 123, , HMz. Majority of ground control uses MHz. Need to say info only during request for taxiing to runway, and request for landing to runway. Read back all runway crossing and/or hold instructions for the sake of runway incursion avoidance. UNICOM is nongovernment facility which may provide airport info at certain airports. Airports with a control tower of FSS will normally use MHz; other than that they normally use 122.7, , 122.8, , 123, , HMz. MULTICOM is a mobile service not open to public use, used to provide communications essential to conduct the acitvities being performed by or directed from private aircraft. Where there is no tower, FSS or UNICOM station on the airport, use MULTICOM freq 122.9MHz for selfannounce procedures. Transition is not clearance. If you are granted the clearance, you will receive something like Clear to class B. Listen to Socal is South California Radar approach. When we hold short at a runway, there may be a blue board showing the socal frequency. VFR can request flight following from socal; IFR can request IFR traffic. 5.1 ATC Listen to ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service). Obtain clearance. Example: Colorado Springs Clearance Delivery, Cherokee 33810, Information Juliet, VFR to the southeast. responses Cherokee 33810, after departure, fly heading 110, climb and maintain 5,500 ft, squawk 3502, departure frequency 124.0, contact ground control when ready to taxi. Contact ground; contact tower; upon tower s instruction, contact departure control AWOS AWOS is an old system, only measures data directly above it, data is averaged every 30 minutes. You can obtain AWOS via VHF or tel. 1. AWOS-A, only reports altimeter setting, other info is advisory only 2. AWOS-1, usually reports altimeter setting, wind data, temperature, dew point, and altitude 3. AWOS-2, info by AWOS-1 + visibility 4. AWOS-3, info by AWOS-2 + cloud/ceiling data See also legend 30 in A/FD, or AIM (P.411) for the above classifications ASOS ASOS is a minute by minute system: A01 = AWOS-3 A02 = freezing rain/snow ASOS is also used for Wx reports in METAR and TAF. Only if airport has ASOS, they have METAR. For example, KLGB at night is ASOS; in day time, the ASOS is accessed by phone HIWAS HIWAS (Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service) is a continuous broadcast of inflight weather advisories including summarized SIGMETs, conv SIGMETs, AIRMETs and urgent PIREPs. Currently broadcast over selected VOR, will be implemented throughout US TWEB Transcribed Weather Broadcast is a continous recording of meteorological and aeronautical information that is broadcast on L/MF and VOR for pilots. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

21 6 AERODYNAMICS VFR flight following Enroute VFR radar service is offered by most Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), provides you with traffic advisories when flying outside terminal aera. Example: Minneapolis Center, cherokee request. The word request alerts ATC that an aircraft has a request for services that does not require their immediate attention. ATC reply: cherokee go ahead with your request. Cherokee is level at 6,500 ft, approximately 20 miles northwest of Mankato, VFR to St. Cloud, request VFR flight following. You can also say your aircraft type: aircraft type PA-28/U ATC reply: cherokee squawk Once you ident, ATC will verify you altitude: verify at 6,500 If that is correct, reply: affirmative Then, they will warn you about traffic and if your route is wrong or flying into the restricted area. 5.3 CTAF Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. At airport w/o ATC, all radio-equipped aircraft Xmit/Rec at CTAF. At many airport, CTAF can rec advisories, activate pilotcontrolled lighting. It may be a UNICOM, MULTICOM, FSS or tower frequency as identified in aeronautical publications. Find out CTAF from A/FD, e.g., Gillespie CTAF is 120.7MHz. For airport that doesn t have tower, FSS, or UNICOM, CTAF will be the MULTICOM freq 122.9MHz. UNICOM (no Freq 122.7, , 122.8, tower, no FSS) or 123MHz No tower in Comm with FSS on CTAF ops, FSS open No tower, no Self-announce (MULTICOM, freq FSS, no UNI ) COM Tower, FSS not Self-announce CTAF in ops CTAF procedures: 1. Initial call 10 miles from the airport: Gillespie range UNICOM, Cessna 20650, 10 miles south, descending through 7,500, landing Gillespie range, request wind and runway information, Gillespie range. 2. Report downwind, base, final legs, exiting runway: Gillespie range traffic, Cessna 20650, entering downwind for Runway 27L, full stop. Gillespie range. 3. Departing: Gillespie range UNICOM, Cessna 20650, taxiing to Runway 27L, request wind and traffic information, Gillespie range. 4. Take-off: Gillespie range traffic, Cessna 20650, departing Runway 27L, departing the pattern to the south, Gillespie range. 5. Monitor CTAF until 10 miles away. Another CTAF announce examples: Hemet traffic, cherokee 33810, 10 miles north, 3,500 ft, landing Hemet, Hemet traffic. When approaching an unfamiliar airport without operational control tower, if there is ASOS, AWOS, listen to the wind info. Fly at 500 1,000 ft above TPA to observe the traffic flow and locate the segmented circle. If no traffic is observed, follow the directions by the segmented circle (wind direction indicator, landing direction indicator, traffic pattern indicator). Hemet traffic, cherokee 33810, 10 miles north, descending through 3,500 ft, overflying for landing, Hemet traffic. Enter the TP at 45 to downwind leg, abeam midpoint of runway (TPA normally 1,000 ft AGL). It is suggested to annouce during the turn as the aeroplane is easier to be identified during the turn: Hemet traffic, cherokee 33810, entering left downwind, runway 36, full stop, Hemet traffic. Hemet traffic, cherokee 33810, turning left base, runway 36, full stop, Hemet traffic. Hemet traffic, cherokee 33810, turning final, runway 36, full stop, Hemet traffic. When departing, exit at 45 turn to the pattern side of the runway: Hemet traffic, cherokee 33810, departing runway 36, departing the traffic pattern to the southeast, climbing to 5,500, Hemet traffic. 5.4 Segmented circle Think of the L-shaped extension as the base and final legs to the runway, then you can deduce the traffic pattern. 6 Aerodynamics Lift = k airspeed 2 Parasite drag due to aircraft surface that interferes with airflow. Form drag, skin friction drag, and interference drag. P arasitedrag = k airspeed 2 Induced drag is by-product of the production of lift, directly related to the angle of attack of the wing. Induceddrag = k angleof attack Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

22 7 AIRSPACE 22 Induceddrag = k 1 airspeed Airspeed A simple mental calculation to determine TAS from CAS (or IAS as there should not be much difference between them, maybe 1 or 2 knots, at normal cruising speeds): To convert CAS to TAS multiply the (density) altitude, in 1000s of feet, by a factor of about 1.5 to get the percentage increase to apply. For example, CAS = 88 knots at 6500 feet: 6.5 x 1.5 = 10 TAS = 88 x 1.1 = 97 knots. The factor increases with altitude reaching about 2 at feet. References: umodule2.html 6.2 Altitude True altitude Absolute altitude Pressure Altitude Altitude indicated by the altimeter (corrected for position and instrument error) when the barometric subscale is set to inches of mercury ( mb). Density Altitude Altitude in ISA conditions at which the air would have the same density (it is the pressure altitude corrected for OAT). MSL Altitude Altitude above sea level indicated by the altimeter (corrected for position and instrument error) when the barometric subscale is set to the atmospheric pressure existing at sea level. ISA International Standard Atmosphere exists when, at sea level, the pressure is Hg and the temperature is 15 C and the temperature decreases 1.98 C / 1000 ft of altitude Pressure altitude Pressure altitude is Altimeter reading 1000 (altimetersetting 29.92) E.g., alti reading: 5,000 ft, setting 30.1, pres alti = 4,820 ft Density altitude D Alt = P Alt (T T s ) where T and T s may (both) be either C or K And T s (standard temperature) is T s = P Alt References: htm Make it simple: D Alt = P Alt (T T s ) And think the T s as 15 at sea level and -2 for every 1,000 ft. 7 Airspace From FAR and ,000 ft AGL < flying < 18,000 ft MSL VFR IFR ,500 / 5,500 ft /... 3,000 / 5,000 ft / ,500 / 6,500 ft /... 4,000 / 6,000 ft /... AIM 3-1-5, also says for 18,000 ft MSL < flying < FL290 VFR, 0 179, fly at FL195, FL215,...; , fly at FL185, FL205,... but >= 18,000 ft belongs to class A which require IFR. Altitude over congested area of a city is 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal radius from the highest obstacle. Altitude for other than congested area of a city is 500 ft above person, vessel, vechicle, structure, surface. The minimum safe altitude is to allow emergency landing without hazard to persons or property on the surface. Right-of-way rules, except water operations (FAR ): 1. General. When weather conditions permit, regardless of whether an operation is conducted under IFR or VFR, vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft. When a rule of this section gives another aircraft the right-of-way, the pilot shall give way to that aircraft and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear. 2. In distress. An aircraft in distress has the right-of-way over all other air traffic. 3. Converging. When aircraft of the same category are converging at approximately the same altitude (except head-on, or nearly so), the aircraft to the other s right has the right-of-way. For diff cat: ballon > glider > towing/refueling > airship > others engine driven 4. Approaching head-on. When aircraft are approaching each other head-on, or nearly so, each pilot of each aircraft shall alter course to the right. 5. Overtaking. Each aircraft that is being overtaken has the right-of-way and each pilot of an overtaking aircraft shall alter course to the right to pass well clear. 6. Landing. Aircraft while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface, except that they shall not take advantage of this rule to force an aircraft off the runway surface which has already landed Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

23 7 AIRSPACE 23 and is attempting to make way for an aircraft on final approach. When two or more aircraft are approaching an airport for the purpose of landing, the aircraft at the lower altitude has the right-of-way, but it shall not take advantage of this rule to cut in front of another which is on final approach to land or to overtake that aircraft. Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007

24 7 AIRSPACE 24 Copyright c by Sai-kee Wong, Rev: 1.62, Final, June 2, 2007