Airports, Airspace, & Radio Communication Control of Flights Airports, Airspace, & Radio Communication

VFR vs IFR Visual Flight Rules: Pilots navigate by maintaining visual contact with objects on the surface. Instrument Flight Rules: Pilots navigate using instruments on the plane coordinated with control towers.

Minimum Safe Altitudes Congested Area Based on obstruction clearance 2,000 feet horizontally 1,000 feet vertically Sparely populated areas 500 feet from any structure

Altitude MSL (Mean Sea Level) AGL (Above Ground Level) Altitude above the ocean AGL (Above Ground Level) Altitude above the ground Altimeter must be set to the current weather station within 100 n.m. of the aircraft

Cruising Altitudes VFR IFR Easterly flights Westerly flights Odd thousands + 500 feet Westerly flights Even thousands + 500 feet IFR Odd thousands Even thousands

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airport An operating control tower All aircraft in the vicinity, in air or on ground, are subject to instructions issued by air traffic controllers (ATC) whether flying VFR or IFR Uncontrolled Airport Control of VFR air traffic is not exercised

Controlled Airspace Varying starting altitudes Ground level at controlled airports Often 1,200 feet AGL Can still fly VFR in controlled airspace if conditions permit.

Special Controlled Airspace Prohibited Areas Flight is not permited Restricted Areas Access permited with prior approval May have invisible hazards such as artillery & missles Warning Areas Similar to restricted area but outside US borders Military Operations Area Have special “floors” & “ceilings” for training Not prohibited, but wise to avoid these areas when in use

NOTAMM Notice to Airmen FAA issued to temporarily restrict flight in areas May be used during a rescue/relief operation

Radio Communication VHF radio Line of sight 118.0 MHz – 135.975 MHz Line of sight Limitations of radio signals due to obstructions and curvature of the earth FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Federal agency regulating radio license & transmissions

CTAF Common Traffic Advisory Frequency Frequency used at uncontrolled airports to allow communication from pilot to pilot of intentions May also include wind direction and favored runway

UNICOM/MULTICOM Air to ground communication for equipped, uncontrolled airport.

FSS Flight Service Stations Provides airport advisory services Processes flight plans Record of destination, route, arrival time, & number of people on board Pilot must close flight plan or FAA will begin search & rescue procedures.