Flight Planning

Question 1

After takeoff you attempt to, but cannot contact FSS to activate your plan. What happens to it?

Answer 1

When a VFR flight plan is filed it is held by FSS until 1 hour after the departure time and then is closed

Question 2

What should you do if you get disoriented or lost on an XC flight with ample fuel?

Answer 2

• fly a specific heading you believe to be correct. If you’re unsure, circle. Don’t wander aimlessly.
• Use VOR’s if available to cross-examine your position
• Use knowledge of your last known position, elapsed time, approximate wind/ground speed, to figure out how far you may have travelled since your last checkpoint
• use that distance as a radius and draw a semi circle ahead of your last known position on a chart.
• If all else fails, look for big landmarks that would also be on a sectional. Rivers, mountains, tall things, highways, etc.

Question 3

What should you do if you get disoriented or lost on an XC flight with low fuel?

Answer 3

Land. Landing in a field is better than crashing. Landing at an airport is better than a field. Land the airplane and don’t fall out of the sky.

Question 4

If you absolutely cannot locate your position, then what?

Answer 4

5 C’s apply: Confess, climb, conserve fuel, communicate and comply

Question 5

On an XC flight, weather has deteriorated. You must now divert. Assuming no GPS or DME, how do you navigate

Answer 5

Select alternate airport, approximate the magnetic course with a straight edge and compass from a nearby VOR.

The straight edge scale at the bottom of a chart can be used. Fine tune with a plotter when time permits

If time permits start the diverson over a prominent ground feature. If time does not permit, just go.

Once a course is established, note the time and use winds aloft to nearest location to calculate aheading and ground speed. Then ETA and fuel.

Fly the airplane first, navigate and plan second