CFI Oral Exam: Flight Planning and Navigation

Introduction

Session: CFI Oral Exam, Flight Planning & Navigation
Location: Lufthansa Aviation Training USA, Goodyear, Arizona
Materials: Download and print the PDF cheat sheet available below the video
Engagement Tips: Listen, watch, and take notes to better retain the information

Private Pilot:
- Requirement: 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane
- Night Cross-Country: Minimum 100-mile flight
- Solo Cross-Country: Student completes on their own
Commercial Pilot:
- Requirement: 50 hours of cross-country flight time, 10 in airplanes
- Specific Flights: 1 daytime and 1 nighttime cross-country flight over 100 miles
- Strategy: Integrating private pilot cross-country requirements to count towards commercial

Teaching Method: Use a practical scenario (e.g., flying from Goodyear to Mobile Airport)
- Identify landmarks, airspace classifications, and terrain features on the sectional chart
- Discuss specific symbols and figures (e.g., 4512 for mountain peaks, 49 for maximum elevation)
- Utilize the chart legend, side panels, and Chart User’s Guide for comprehensive symbol meanings
Key Points:
- Importance of prior airspace lessons
- Usage of alternative charts (e.g., TAC and Flyway charts)

Auction Airport:
- Class G Airspace: From surface up to 1200 feet AGL
- Class E Airspace: From 1200 feet to 17,999 feet AGL
Goodyear Airport:
- Class D Airspace: From the surface up to 2,999 feet AGL
- Above Class D: Class E up to 5,000 feet, then Class B starting at 5,000 feet
Neighboring Airports:
- Casa Grande: Magenta vignette indicating Class E from 700 to 17,999 feet

Pilotage: Visual navigation by referencing landmarks
Dead Reckoning: Calculating position based on earlier known position, speed, and time
VOR Navigation:
- Limitations: Subject to maintenance and coverage issues
- Usage: VOR stations and Victor Airways
GPS Navigation: Direct route using satellite guidance
- Limitations: Dependent on equipment and satellite availability
Backup Methods: NDBs, radio navigation, approach control assistance

Aviation Weather:
- Heard: Magnetic (AWOS/ATIS)
- Read: True (METAR, TAF)
- Goodyear Exception: METAR reports magnetic

Factors: Maintenance, line-of-sight issues, GPS outages, electronic failures
Importance: Regular updates, alternative navigation methods

Criteria: Suitable runway length, services available, lighting for nighttime
Considerations: Proximity, weather conditions, and facilities needed

Satellites: Orbit Earth in geosynchronous orbit, broadcasting time signals
Positioning: Determined by the difference in time signals from at least four satellites
RAIM: Requires five satellites for integrity monitoring

Method: Utilize ADM (Aeronautical Decision Making), PAVE checklist (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures)
Considerations: Weather, flight planning, and personal readiness

Purpose: Search and rescue services
Methods: Phone, EFB apps (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot), in-flight service contact
Activation: Must be activated post filing

Pre-Flight:
- Homework: Lessons on airport lighting, nighttime illusions, eye physiology
- Equipment: Bright white flashlight for pre-flight checks, red headlamp for in-flight use
Flight Procedures:
- Cockpit setup: Adjust instrument lighting, use supplemental oxygen (recommended above 5,000 feet)
- Landing considerations: Using peripheral vision in the event of light failures
- Regulations: Familiarize with 91.205 special equipment requirements for night flights

Special Use Airspace:
- Examples: Restricted areas, MOAs, alert areas
- Regulations: Contact controlling agencies for access
- TFRs: Temporary Flight Restrictions, updated through FAA briefings and EFB alerts

Next Steps: Continue to next video in the series on CFI oral exam preparation
Additional Resources: Visit Lufthansa Aviation Training USA’s website for advanced access to video series