8.18. Flying the Route

p. 160

8.18.1. Flight Following. Workload permitting, flight following is a service provided at ATC’s discretion under which advisories are given for traffic conflicts along the route of flight. These advisories do not include vectors to eliminate conflicts unless requested. Flight following does not change the pilot’s responsibility to see and avoid other traffic; however, it is an excellent tool used to help prevent a midair collision. Request flight following with ATC IAW AFMAN 11-202V3_AETCSUP. Expect assignment of a transponder code with flight following.

p. 160

8.18.2. Route Basics. At cruise altitude, set power and trim to maintain the preplanned airspeed and check groundspeed. Accomplish a Level Off check. Compare actual and planned groundspeed to determine the effect of winds. At preplanned points (typically turn points), compare actual fuel burned and elapsed time to planned data. Significant deviations may require changes to the flight plan. Flying the desired groundspeed, on the desired heading, and for the desired amount of time is primarily accomplished through the “Clock-to-Map-to- Ground” method. First, look at the clock to determine time. Second, look at the map to determine where you should be on the map, (based on timing) and what visual cues should be in view 30 seconds to one minute in front of the aircraft. Last, look at the ground and visually acquire the predetermined ground references. Do not reverse the order of “Clock-to-Map-to- Ground.” Reversing the order generally leads to poor SA.

p. 160

8.18.3. In-flight Checks on the Route. Without the cues associated with the local training environment, it is easy to forget required in-flight checks. It is common practice to mark the chart with preplanned points to accomplishing the required in-flight checks. For example, route entry might include an annotation for the Level Off check or selected turn points might be marked with reminders for an ops check (e.g., approximately every 15 minutes).

p. 160

8.18.4. VFR Arrival. VFR arrival at an unfamiliar airfield can be challenging. As with every other aspect of navigation, prior planning and organization is essential to success. Make sure to get ATIS and accomplish appropriate checklists before arriving at the destination airfield. Information regarding civilian airfield traffic patterns is found in FAA-H-8083-3C Airplane Flying Handbook and FAA AC 90-66C, Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations (see Figure 8.3..).

p. 160