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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Cruising Altitudes VFR IFR Easterly flights Westerly flights
Odd thousands feet
Westerly flights
Even thousands feet
IFR
Odd thousands
Even thousands

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

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

10. Radio Communication VHF radio Line of sight
118.0 MHz – 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

11. 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

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

13. 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.