8.16
Route Planning
8.16. Route Planning
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8.16.1. Chart Selection. Choose a chart that gives the most usable detail for the planned altitude, distance, and speed. In general, use a tactical pilotage chart (TPC) (1:500,000) or VFR sectional. As a technique, use an Operational Navigation Chart (ONC) when flying above 6,000 feet AGL and a TPC or VFR sectional when flying below. A joint operations graphic (JOG) chart may be used for detailed route study and preflight planning. World aeronautical charts (WAC) and sectional charts are the same scale as ONC and TPC respectively and include airspace boundaries and frequencies.
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8.16.2. Start Point. It is good technique to pick a route start point outside the terminal area. Vectors or traffic conflicts may preclude an immediate turn on course. Also, airspeed and altitude should be stabilized before DR begins.
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8.16.3. Chart Construction. DR is flight on a calculated course for a specified airspeed and time. Translated to pilot actions, it means flying a specific groundspeed on a specific heading for a specific time. A properly prepared chart provides enough information to ensure safe DR in-flight navigation. As a minimum, circle turn points, draw the route between points, insert timing marks, and compute magnetic headings. Including other information such as fuel calculations, planning factors, and airfield data on the chart may eliminate the requirement for another type of fuel log (e.g., AF Form 70).
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8.16.4. Chart Marking. See AFMAN 11-202V3 and local directives for detailed chart preparation guidance. The minimum chart requirements should be:
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8.16.4.1. Planned fuels.
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8.16.4.2. Emergency divert airfields and tower frequencies.
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8.16.4.3. NAVAIDs for additional SA.
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8.16.4.4. Obstacles.
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8.16.4.5. Spot elevations.
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8.16.4.6. Air route traffic control center frequencies.
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8.16.4.7. Restricted airspace.
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8.16.4.8. Class B or Class C airspace.
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8.16.4.9. Expected frequencies (approach control, tower, etc.).
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