AIM
4/3/14
5−1−2
Preflight
a safe and efficient flight. Briefers use all available
weather and aeronautical information to summarize
data applicable to the proposed flight. They do not
read weather reports and forecasts verbatim unless
specifically requested by the pilot. FSS briefers do
not provide FDC NOTAM information for special
instrument approach procedures unless specifically
asked. Pilots authorized by the FAA to use special
instrument approach procedures must specifically
request FDC NOTAM information for these
procedures. Pilots who receive the information
electronically will receive NOTAMs for special IAPs
automatically.
REFERENCE
−
AIM, Preflight Briefings, Paragraph 7
−1−4, contains those items of a
weather briefing that should be expected or requested.
h.
FAA by 14 CFR Part 93, Subpart K, has
designated High Density Traffic Airports (HDTAs)
and has prescribed air traffic rules and requirements
for operating aircraft (excluding helicopter opera-
tions) to and from these airports.
REFERENCE
−
Airport/Facility Directory, Special Notices Section.
AIM, Airport Reservation Operations and Special Traffic Management
Programs, Paragraph 4
i.
In addition to the filing of a flight plan, if the
flight will traverse or land in one or more foreign
countries, it is particularly important that pilots leave
a complete itinerary with someone directly concerned
and keep that person advised of the flight’s progress.
If serious doubt arises as to the safety of the flight, that
person should first contact the FSS.
REFERENCE
−
AIM, Flights Outside the U.S. and U.S. Territories, Paragraph 5
j.
Pilots operating under provisions of 14 CFR
Part 135 on a domestic flight and not having an FAA
assigned 3−letter designator, are urged to prefix the
normal registration (N) number with the letter “T” on
flight plan filing; e.g., TN1234B.
REFERENCE
−
AIM, Aircraft Call Signs, Paragraph 4
5
−
1
−
2. Follow IFR Procedures Even When
Operating VFR
a.
To maintain IFR proficiency, pilots are urged to
practice IFR procedures whenever possible, even
when operating VFR. Some suggested practices
include:
1.
Obtain a complete preflight and weather
briefing. Check the NOTAMs.
2.
File a flight plan. This is an excellent low cost
insurance policy. The cost is the time it takes to fill it
out. The insurance includes the knowledge that
someone will be looking for you if you become
overdue at your destination.
3.
Use current charts.
4.
Use the navigation aids. Practice maintaining
a good course−keep the needle centered.
5.
Maintain a constant altitude which is
appropriate for the direction of flight.
6.
Estimate en route position times.
7.
Make accurate and frequent position reports
to the FSSs along your route of flight.
b.
Simulated IFR flight is recommended (under
the hood); however, pilots are cautioned to review
and adhere to the requirements specified in 14 CFR
Section 91.109 before and during such flight.
c.
When flying VFR at night, in addition to the
altitude appropriate for the direction of flight, pilots
should maintain an altitude which is at or above the
minimum en route altitude as shown on charts. This
is especially true in mountainous terrain, where there
is usually very little ground reference. Do not depend
on your eyes alone to avoid rising unlighted terrain,
or even lighted obstructions such as TV towers.
5
−
1
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3. Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) System
a.
Time-critical aeronautical information which
is of either a temporary nature or not sufficiently
known in advance to permit publication on
aeronautical charts or in other operational publica-
tions receives immediate dissemination via the
National NOTAM System.
NOTE
−
1. NOTAM information is that aeronautical information
that could affect a pilot’s decision to make a flight. It
includes such information as airport or aerodrome
primary runway closures, taxiways, ramps, obstructions,
communications, airspace, changes in the status of
navigational aids, ILSs, radar service availability, and
other information essential to planned en route, terminal,
or landing operations.
2. NOTAM information is transmitted using standard
contractions to reduce transmission time. See TBL 5
for a listing of the most commonly used contractions. For
a complete listing, see FAA Order JO 7340.2,
Contractions.
b.
NOTAM information is classified into five
categories. These are NOTAM (D) or distant, Flight