Book Category: Advanced Subjects

Introduction to ADS-B References: 14 CFR 91.225, AC 90-114 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) provides advisory services to pilots and is used by ATC for air traffic surveillance and separation. Operating Modes ADS-B information is transmitted from an aircraft as ADS-B Out, and it is received by an aircraft as ADS-B In. ADS-B Airspace 14 CFR […]

What is a Tailwheel Airplane? Tailwheel airplanes are often referred to as conventional gear airplanes. The main landing gear supports the airplane’s weight on the ground. The tailwheel also supports the airplane, but steering and directional control are its primary functions. The main struts are attached to the airplane slightly ahead of the airplane’s CG. […]

Definitions Absolute Ceiling: Asymmetric Thrust: Uneven thrust created by the ascending and descending propeller blades. This condition also occurs when the thrust produced by the engines of a multi-engine airplane is uneven. Critical Engine: The engine with the most adverse effect on controllability and climb performance of a multi-engine airplane if it fails. Drift Down: […]

What is a Holding Pattern? Reference: AIM 5-3-8 Holding patterns are designed to keep aircraft within specified airspace when flight delays are expected. A standard holding pattern is a racetrack-shaped course, incorporating two straight legs and two right-hand 180° turns. Holding Clearances Published Holding Patterns A holding clearance for holding at a fix that has […]

Standard Terminal Arrivals Reference: AIM 5-4-1 A Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) procedure is an IFR arrival route established to simplify clearance delivery procedures and facilitate the transition between en route and instrument approach procedures. STAR Requirements A clearance to fly a STAR must be rejected if the pilot: Published STAR Speeds and Altitudes STAR procedures […]

Air Traffic Service Routes Reference: AIM 5-3-4 The following routes established for air traffic operations are collectively known as air traffic service (ATS) routes. Federal Airways Federal airways consist of Low/Medium Frequency (L/MF) airways (colored airways) and VOR airways. Airspace: Federal airways are designated as Class E airspace areas that extend from 1,200′ AGL (or […]

Takeoff Minimums References: 14 CFR 91.175, AIM 5-2-9 The FAA establishes takeoff minimums for every airport with a published Standard Instrument Approach. These minimums must be used by 14 CFR Part 121, 125, 129, and 135 operators. At airports where minimums are not established, these operators must use standard minimums set by the FAA. Standard […]

Performance-Based Navigation References: AIM 1-2-1, AIM 1-2-2, AC 90-100, AC 90-101, AC 90-105, AC 90-109 The Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) concept represents a shift from ground-based navigation to Area Navigation (RNAV). It provides a basis for designing and implementing automated flightpaths and airspace redesign (NextGen). Note: Aircraft with an IFR-approved GPS are considered to be PBN […]

Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range References: AIM 1-1-3, AIM 1-1-5, AIM 1-1-6, AIM 1-1-8, Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide Operation: Note: The word “omni” means all. An omni-directional range projects courses (radials) in all directions. A Very High Frequency (VHF) Omni-Directional Range (VOR) works by emanating two signals at the same time: the reference phase (360° […]