CAA NZ CPL Flight Navigation General flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Trip fuel definition

Fuel required from takeoff to landing at destination, including climb, cruise, descent, and any planned intermediate stops, but excluding reserves and alternate fuel.

Contingency fuel NZ IFR

For IFR operations without an alternate, at least 5% of trip fuel or 5 minutes holding, whichever is greater; with an alternate, 5% of trip fuel.

Final reserve fuel turbine

30 minutes holding at 1,500 ft above aerodrome in ISA conditions for turbine-engine aircraft; for piston aircraft, 45 minutes.

Alternate fuel calculation

Fuel to fly from destination to alternate via planned route, including approach and landing; must account for forecast winds and temperatures.

Maximum takeoff weight

The maximum weight at which the aircraft is certified for takeoff; must not be exceeded; affects takeoff performance and fuel planning.

True airspeed formula

TAS = IAS corrected for position error, instrument error, and density altitude; use AFM or navigation computer; increases with altitude for given IAS.

Wind correction angle

WCA = arcsin( (wind speed / TAS) * sin(wind direction - track) ); positive for right drift; used to calculate heading to maintain track.

Ground speed formula

GS = TAS * cos(WCA) + wind speed * cos(wind direction - track); can also be computed using navigation computer or GNSS.

1 in 60 rule

For small track errors, off-track distance ≈ (distance flown * track error in degrees) / 60; used to estimate drift and correction.

VOR radial interpretation

VOR radial is magnetic bearing from the station; set OBS to radial to fly inbound; reverse sensing when flying outbound on back course.

NDB relative bearing

ADF needle points to NDB; magnetic bearing = aircraft heading + relative bearing; use to track to or from station.

DME slant range error

DME measures slant range; error negligible at distances > 1 NM per 1,000 ft altitude; use for ground speed and time to station.

ILS localizer frequency

Localizer transmits in 108.10–111.95 MHz, odd tenths; provides lateral guidance; glideslope in 329.15–335.00 MHz provides vertical guidance.

Transponder emergency codes

7500 hijack, 7600 radio failure, 7700 emergency; squawk assigned code for IFR/VFR; always verify code before departure.

PBN specification RNAV 1

RNAV 1 requires navigation accuracy of 1 NM for 95% of flight time; used in terminal airspace; requires GNSS or DME/DME/IRU.

RNP vs RNAV

RNP requires on-board performance monitoring and alerting; RNAV does not require alerting but requires specified accuracy; both are PBN specifications.

LPV approach

Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance; requires SBAS; provides vertical guidance similar to ILS; minima typically 200 ft AGL.

RAIM prediction

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring; required for GPS approaches; check NOTAMs for outages; if RAIM not available, use alternate navigation.

Equipment suffix /G

Flight plan suffix indicating aircraft equipped with GNSS and approved for RNAV; other suffixes: /R for RNP AR, /S for standard.

Jet stream navigation

Core speed > 60 kt; plan altitude to take advantage of tailwinds or avoid headwinds; significant effect on fuel and time.

Icing temperature range

Visible moisture and temperatures between 0°C and -20°C; plan to avoid or use anti-ice; increased fuel burn and reduced performance.

Thunderstorm avoidance

Avoid by at least 20 NM; use weather radar; do not attempt to fly through CBs; severe turbulence and hail possible.

Mountain wave crossing

Strong winds over mountains cause severe turbulence and downdrafts; cross at least 2,000 ft above ridge height; plan for possible altitude loss.

Altimeter setting QNH

QNH gives altitude above mean sea level when set on altimeter; used below transition altitude; QFE gives height above aerodrome.

NZ transition altitude

13,000 ft AMSL (or as published); use QNH below, standard 1013.25 hPa above; applies to all NZ airspace.

Airspace class C

IFR and VFR require clearance; ATC provides separation to all flights; typical for controlled airspace around busy aerodromes.

AIP supplements

Temporary changes to AIP; check before flight; include operational information such as airspace changes, navaid outages, and procedures.

Basic empty weight

Includes airframe, engines, fixed equipment, unusable fuel, and full oil; check AFM for actual; used in weight and balance calculations.

Maximum zero fuel weight

Limits payload; fuel in wings may be used to keep bending moments within limits; must not be exceeded.

Takeoff distance factors

Increases with altitude, temperature, weight, and tailwind; use AFM charts; account for runway slope and condition.

Navigation log updates

Record waypoints, headings, TAS, wind, GS, distance, ETA, fuel, and actual times; update in flight at least every 30 minutes or at waypoints.

International flight plan filing

Required for IFR and for VFR in controlled airspace; include aircraft identification, type, wake turbulence category, equipment; comply with ICAO and NZ CAA rules.

Oceanic RNP 10

Required for NAT HLA (formerly MNPS); specifies navigation accuracy of 10 NM; check aircraft approval and RAIM prediction before flight.