Private Pilot Ground School

The Flight EnvironmentLessons 10 - 13

© Rainier Flight Service, LLC 2012

Scanning – In VFR conditions scan in 10 degree increments for at least one second. At night use peripheral vision to detect light movement.

Airways – When climbing or descending VFR on an airway execute gentle banks, especially in the vicinity of VORs

Atmospheric Haze – Objects will appear further than actual

Night Flight – Avoid bright lights for 30 minutes prior to flight

Collision Avoidance / Scanning

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Blind Spots

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Aircraft Lighting

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Clearing Turns

GL10 – Safety of Flight

1. Aircraft in distress2. Balloon3. Glider4. Airship5. Airplane or Rotorcraft

Who has the right-of-way? Converging Head On Overtaking Approaching an Airport

Right of Way Rules

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Anywhere – Must be able to land without undue hazard to people or property if engine quits

Congested Areas – At least 1,000’ above highest obstacle with a 2,000’ radius of aircraft

Other than Congested Area – 500’ AGL

Sparsely Populated or Open Water – 500’ radius of person, vessel, vehicle, or structure on surface

Minimum Safe Altitudes

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Controlled Flight Into terrain

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Taxiing in Wind

GL10 – Safety of Flight

Click Me!

Controlled and Uncontrolled Airports

GL11 - Airports

Runway numbers correspond to magnetic direction Rounded to the nearest 10 degrees, with the last zero dropped out

Airports with two or more parallel runways indicate the differences with an L, R, or C

Runway Layout

GL11 - Airports

Traffic Pattern

GL11 - Airports

Wind Direction / Segmented Circle

GL11 - Airports

Noise Abatement Procedures

GL11 - Airports

Airport Visual Aids

GL11 - Airports

Runway/Taxiway Markings

GL11 - Airports

Ramp Area Markings

GL11 - Airports

Airport Signs

GL11 - Airports

Airport Lighting

GL11 - Airports

White/Green – Civil Land Airport

White/Yellow – Water Airport

White/White/Green – Military Airport

Green/Yellow/White - Heliport

Airport Beacons

GL11 - Airports

Runway Edge Lights

GL11 - Airports

In-Runway Lighting

GL11 - Airports

PAPI Two Bar VASI

Pulsating VASI Tri-Color VASI

Visual Glideslope Indicators

GL11 - Airports

Approach Lighting Systems

GL11 - Airports

Lighting can be activated with microphone usually on CTAF frequency 7 clicks – high intensity 5 clicks – medium intensity 3 clicks – low intensity

15 minute timer Check AFD for specifics

Pilot Controlled Lighting

GL11 - Airports

Obstruction Lighting

GL11 - Airports

Airport Safety Considerations

Know your airport signs and markings Never taxi faster than a brisk walk Pay attention outside when taxiing. If you need to

multi-task – STOP Ask for help when in doubt

Runway Incursion - Any occurrence at an airport involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft.

GL11 - Airports

Land and Hold Short (LAHSO)

GL11 - Airports

Wake Turbulence

GL11 - Airports

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude

Longitude

Equator

Prime Meridian

GL12 – Aeronautical Charts

Projections

GL12 – Aeronautical Charts

Sectional 1:500,000 Scale Revised every 6 months

Terminal Area 1:250,000 Scale Metropolitan Areas

World Aeronautical 1:1,000,000 Scale Revised once a year

Types of Aeronautical Charts

GL12 – Aeronautical Charts

Terrain and Elevation

GL12 – Aeronautical Charts

Chart Symbology

GL12 – Aeronautical Charts

The Airspace System

GL13 - Airspace

Entry RequirementsNone

EquipmentNone

Minimum Pilot CertificateNone

Class G Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Entry RequirementsNone for VFR

EquipmentNone

Minimum Pilot CertificateNone

Class E Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Entry RequirementsTwo-Way Communications

EquipmentTwo-Way Radio

Minimum Pilot CertificateNone

Class D Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Entry RequirementsTwo-Way Communications

EquipmentTwo-Way Radio

Mode C Transponder

Minimum Pilot CertificateNone

Class C Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Entry RequirementsATC Clearance

EquipmentTwo-Way Radio

Mode C Transponder

Minimum Pilot CertificatePrivate Pilot

Student w/ Endorsement

Class B Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Entry RequirementsATC Clearance

EquipmentIFR Equipped

Minimum Pilot CertificateInstrument Rating

Class A Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Prohibited Areas

Restricted Areas

Warning Areas

MOAs

TFRs

Alert Areas

Airport Advisory Area

VFR Military Training

IFR Military Training

Special Use Airspace

GL13 - Airspace

Other Airspace Areas

GL13 - Airspace

Additional Airspace Regulations

GL13 - Airspace

Allows you to operate within Class B, C, D or E airspace when weather is less than 1,000’ or 3 SM.

May fly with 1 SM and Clear of Clouds upon request from control tower.

Must be instrument-rated pilot in instrument-equipped airplane at night.

Student Pilots cannot get Special VFR.

Special VFR

GL13 - Airspace