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
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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
How To Intercept and Fly DME Arcs
Note: This lesson uses a 2-4 degree rule of thumb for adjusting heading and radial. I know that the often taught method is "twist 10 turn 10" but for this lesson I chose to use the method outlined in the Instrument Flying Handbook just for standardization. DME Arcs may seem scary to new instrument pilots, but given a few quick and easy tips they can be as easy as tracking any … [Read more...] about How To Intercept and Fly DME Arcs
The 5 Most Important Briefing Items on an Approach Chart
Ask 100 pilots to give an approach briefing and you will get 100 different briefs. Here are the 5 essential elements that I have come up with for briefing each approach I fly. As a rule I brief everything on the chart, but these items are what I make sure to emphasize to ensure a successful outcome. (Note: this is not intended to be everything needed to safely fly an approach, … [Read more...] about The 5 Most Important Briefing Items on an Approach Chart
Approach Plate Profile View
The profile view of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot a side view of the approach procedure to be flown. The information provided includes all minimum altitudes for the approach, approach course, step-down fixes, final approach fix, and missed approach information. Depending on the chart much more information is provided and understanding the profile view … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Profile View