This lesson is a quick overview of the airway system in the United States. Airways are the "highways in the sky" that connect each point in the United States. Airways tell air traffic controllers where we are going and how we are going to get there. Without airways, all aircraft would be free to amble their way across the country on their own and in their own direction. Most … [Read more...] about An Overview of Airways
Video Lessons
Charted IFR Altitudes
This lesson explores the different types of IFR altitudes charted on an Enroute Low Altitude Chart. The types of altitudes most commonly found on the low altitude chart are the Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA), Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA), Minimum Crossing Altitude, Minimum Reception Altitude, Maximum Authorized Altitude, and Off Route Obstruction Clearance … [Read more...] about Charted IFR Altitudes
Objectionable Airports on the VFR Sectional
This lesson is thanks to Keith through our lesson suggestion tool on KLAviation.com. Keith has a student who found this "OBJECTIONABLE" symbol on the VFR sectional and wanted to know what it meant. Objectionable airports are airports that interfere with another airport's airspace. FAA Order 7400.2K lays out the criteria for an airport to be certified by the FAA, to include its … [Read more...] about Objectionable Airports on the VFR Sectional
Departing an Airport Without a SID
John wrote to us on our website to ask how he would file a flight plan from an airport that did not have a Standard Instrument Departure Procedure since most airports do not have a Standard Instrument Departure or SID. In this lesson we take a look at how you would file a flight plan from Troy Municipal Airport in Troy, Alabama. Troy does not lie on a victor airway, nor does it … [Read more...] about Departing an Airport Without a SID
Towered Airport Diagrams – Sectional Chart
Towered airports are a little more complex than non-towered airports, so it's important to know what you are looking for on a sectional. Entering the tower's airspace without all the proper information and communications is a big deal and may get you in trouble. This lesson will teach you what you need to know to stay safe and legal. First, we can tell whether the airport has … [Read more...] about Towered Airport Diagrams – Sectional Chart