PerfectTailwind
Filing Flight Plan
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- Sep 8, 2010
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PerfectTailwind
This kind of stuff gives me VERTIGO 
!!! Please read and try to connect the dots in the FAA spirit of SCENARIO BASED TRAINING; then I hope you can explain it all to me. My comments and perspective are included ((((( in parenthesis ))))). Thank you.
*****
FLIGHT LEVEL- A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For example, flight level (FL) 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; FL 255, an indication of 25,500 feet.
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§ 91.135 Operations in Class A airspace.
Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, each person operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must conduct that operation under instrument flight rules (IFR) and in compliance with the following:
(a) Clearance. Operations may be conducted only under an ATC clearance received prior to entering the airspace.
(b) Communications. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft operating in Class A airspace must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC on a frequency assigned by ATC. Each pilot must maintain two-way radio communications with ATC while operating in Class A airspace.
(c) Equipment requirements. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft within Class A airspace unless that aircraft is equipped with the applicable equipment specified in §91.215, and after January 1, 2020, §91.225.
(d) ATC authorizations. An operator may deviate from any provision of this section under the provisions of an ATC authorization issued by the ATC facility having jurisdiction of the airspace concerned. In the case of an inoperative transponder, ATC may immediately approve an operation within a Class A airspace area allowing flight to continue, if desired, to the airport of ultimate destination, including any intermediate stops, or to proceed to a place where suitable repairs can be made, or both. Requests for deviation from any provision of this section must be submitted in writing, at least 4 days before the proposed operation. ATC may authorize a deviation on a continuing basis or for an individual flight.
((((( Anybody know of ANY ARTCC that would approve (d) above ? What would be a typical scenario other than an inop xpdr ? It would fly in the face of 7110.65T 7-1-1 below )))))
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AIM
3-2-2. Class A Airspace
a. Definition. Generally, that airspace from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600, including the airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska; and designated international airspace beyond 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska within areas of domestic radio navigational signal or ATC radar coverage, and within which domestic procedures are applied.
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§ 71.33 Class A airspace areas.
(a) That airspace of the United States, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States, from 18,000 feet MSL to and including FL600 excluding the states of Alaska and Hawaii, Santa Barbara Island, Farallon Island, and the airspace south of latitude 25°04'00" North.
(b) That airspace of the State of Alaska, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast, from 18,000 feet MSL to and including FL600 but not including the airspace less than 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth and the Alaska Peninsula west of longitude 160°00'00" West.
((((( I find it interesting REGULATION 71.33(b) does NOT make it into (ADVISORY) AIM 3-2-2. The highest spot in Alaska (as well as any other state) is Mt. McKinley at 20,320 MSL. What kind of airspace do we have here ?...Class G surface to 1,500 then immediately Class A ? Anybody care to describe the ceiling and cloud clearance requirements between 1,200 agl and 1,500 agl (ALL OF 300 ft) (see 91.155) when the ceiling is 1,500 agl (estimated of course) ?
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AIM
3-1-5. VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels
(See TBL 3-1-2.)
TBL 3-1-2
VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels
Odd thousands MSL, plus 500 feet
(3,500; 5,500; 7,500, etc.)
Odd Flight Levels plus 500 feet
(FL 195; FL 215; FL 235, etc.)
180° to 359°
Even thousands MSL, plus 500 feet
(4,500; 6,500; 8,500, etc.)
Even Flight Levels plus 500 feet
(FL 185; FL 205; FL 225, etc.)
((((( 3-1-5 "...and Flight Levels" should be removed. )))))
((((( TBL 3-1-2 "...and Flight Levels" should be removed. )))))
((((( 2nd column "...but below 18,000 feet MSL, fly:.." should read 17,500 )))))
((((( ENTIRE 3rd column makes no sense and should be removed. )))))
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AIM
4-4-8. IFR Clearance VFR-on-top
h. ATC will not authorize VFR or VFR-on-top operations in Class A airspace.
((((( AIM 4-4-8 correspondes to 7110.65T 7-7-1 blo and CONFLICTS with AIM 3-1-5. Any comments? )))))
7110.65T http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/ATC.pdf
7-1-1. CLASS A AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS
Do not apply visual separation or issue VFR or "VFR-on-top" clearances in Class A airspace.
((((( 7-1-1 conflicts with 7-3-2 blo )))))
7-3-2. ALTITUDE FOR DIRECTION OF FLIGHT
Inform an aircraft maintaining "VFR-on-top" when a report indicates the pilot is not complying with 14 CFR Section 91.159(a).
NOTE-
As required by 14 CFR Section 91.159(a), the appropriate VFR altitudes for aircraft (not in a holding pattern of 20 minutes or less, or turning) operating more than 3,000 feet above the surface to and including 18,000 feet MSL:
Magnetic courses 0-179- odd cardinal altitudes plus 500 feet; e.g., 3,500, 5,500.
Magnetic courses 180-359- even cardinal altitudes plus 500 feet; e.g., 4,500, 8,500.
PHRASEOLOGY-
VFR-ON-TOP CRUISING LEVELS FOR YOUR DIRECTION OF FLIGHT ARE:
more than 3,000 feet above the surface to FL 180:
ODD/EVEN ALTITUDES/FLIGHT LEVELS PLUS FIVE HUNDRED FEET.
((((( By way of the above definitions: "VFR" and "Flight Levels" mix like oil & water [except in the hallowed halls of the FAA...We're here to help...]. Change "...and including 18,000 feet MSL:" to 17,500 Change "...to FL 180:" to 17,500. )))))
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AIM
5-5-13. VFR-on-top
a. Pilot.
1. This clearance must be requested by the pilot on an IFR flight plan, and if approved, allows the pilot the choice (subject to any ATC restrictions) to select an altitude or flight level in lieu of an assigned altitude.
NOTE-
VFR-on-top is not permitted in certain airspace areas, such as Class A airspace, certain restricted areas, etc. Consequently, IFR flights operating VFR-on-top will avoid such airspace.
REFERENCE-
AIM, IFR Clearance VFR-on-top, Paragraph 4-4-8.
AIM, IFR Separation Standards, Paragraph 4-4-11.
AIM, Position Reporting, Paragraph 5-3-2.
AIM, Additional Reports, Paragraph 5-3-3.
b. Controller.
3. Before issuing clearance, ascertain that the aircraft is not in or will not enter Class A airspace.
((((( 5-5-13 makes me question the FAA's sense of A.D.M. and the example being set when attempting to educate VFR-on-top by mixing in any mention of Flight Levels )))))
3-1-4. Basic VFR Weather Minimums
TBL 3-1-1
Basic VFR Weather Minimums
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§ 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level.
Except while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below, unless otherwise authorized by ATC:
(a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and—
(1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500); or
(2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500).
(b) When operating above 18,000 feet MSL, maintain the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC.
((((( Can anybody think of a legitimate scenario where (b) applies given the definition of Class A airspace ? )))))
*****
!!! Please read and try to connect the dots in the FAA spirit of SCENARIO BASED TRAINING; then I hope you can explain it all to me. My comments and perspective are included ((((( in parenthesis ))))). Thank you.*****
FLIGHT LEVEL- A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For example, flight level (FL) 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; FL 255, an indication of 25,500 feet.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
§ 91.135 Operations in Class A airspace.
Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, each person operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must conduct that operation under instrument flight rules (IFR) and in compliance with the following:
(a) Clearance. Operations may be conducted only under an ATC clearance received prior to entering the airspace.
(b) Communications. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft operating in Class A airspace must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC on a frequency assigned by ATC. Each pilot must maintain two-way radio communications with ATC while operating in Class A airspace.
(c) Equipment requirements. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft within Class A airspace unless that aircraft is equipped with the applicable equipment specified in §91.215, and after January 1, 2020, §91.225.
(d) ATC authorizations. An operator may deviate from any provision of this section under the provisions of an ATC authorization issued by the ATC facility having jurisdiction of the airspace concerned. In the case of an inoperative transponder, ATC may immediately approve an operation within a Class A airspace area allowing flight to continue, if desired, to the airport of ultimate destination, including any intermediate stops, or to proceed to a place where suitable repairs can be made, or both. Requests for deviation from any provision of this section must be submitted in writing, at least 4 days before the proposed operation. ATC may authorize a deviation on a continuing basis or for an individual flight.
((((( Anybody know of ANY ARTCC that would approve (d) above ? What would be a typical scenario other than an inop xpdr ? It would fly in the face of 7110.65T 7-1-1 below )))))
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AIM
3-2-2. Class A Airspace
a. Definition. Generally, that airspace from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600, including the airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska; and designated international airspace beyond 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska within areas of domestic radio navigational signal or ATC radar coverage, and within which domestic procedures are applied.
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§ 71.33 Class A airspace areas.
(a) That airspace of the United States, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States, from 18,000 feet MSL to and including FL600 excluding the states of Alaska and Hawaii, Santa Barbara Island, Farallon Island, and the airspace south of latitude 25°04'00" North.
(b) That airspace of the State of Alaska, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast, from 18,000 feet MSL to and including FL600 but not including the airspace less than 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth and the Alaska Peninsula west of longitude 160°00'00" West.
((((( I find it interesting REGULATION 71.33(b) does NOT make it into (ADVISORY) AIM 3-2-2. The highest spot in Alaska (as well as any other state) is Mt. McKinley at 20,320 MSL. What kind of airspace do we have here ?...Class G surface to 1,500 then immediately Class A ? Anybody care to describe the ceiling and cloud clearance requirements between 1,200 agl and 1,500 agl (ALL OF 300 ft) (see 91.155) when the ceiling is 1,500 agl (estimated of course) ?
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AIM
3-1-5. VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels
(See TBL 3-1-2.)
TBL 3-1-2
VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels
If your magnetic course
(ground track) is:
And you are more than 3,000 feet above the surface but below 18,000 feet MSL, fly:
And you are above 18,000 feet MSL to FL 290, fly:
0° to 179° (ground track) is:
And you are more than 3,000 feet above the surface but below 18,000 feet MSL, fly:
And you are above 18,000 feet MSL to FL 290, fly:
Odd thousands MSL, plus 500 feet
(3,500; 5,500; 7,500, etc.)
Odd Flight Levels plus 500 feet
(FL 195; FL 215; FL 235, etc.)
180° to 359°
Even thousands MSL, plus 500 feet
(4,500; 6,500; 8,500, etc.)
Even Flight Levels plus 500 feet
(FL 185; FL 205; FL 225, etc.)
((((( 3-1-5 "...and Flight Levels" should be removed. )))))
((((( TBL 3-1-2 "...and Flight Levels" should be removed. )))))
((((( 2nd column "...but below 18,000 feet MSL, fly:.." should read 17,500 )))))
((((( ENTIRE 3rd column makes no sense and should be removed. )))))
****************************************************************************************************
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AIM
4-4-8. IFR Clearance VFR-on-top
h. ATC will not authorize VFR or VFR-on-top operations in Class A airspace.
((((( AIM 4-4-8 correspondes to 7110.65T 7-7-1 blo and CONFLICTS with AIM 3-1-5. Any comments? )))))
7110.65T http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/ATC.pdf
7-1-1. CLASS A AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS
Do not apply visual separation or issue VFR or "VFR-on-top" clearances in Class A airspace.
((((( 7-1-1 conflicts with 7-3-2 blo )))))
7-3-2. ALTITUDE FOR DIRECTION OF FLIGHT
Inform an aircraft maintaining "VFR-on-top" when a report indicates the pilot is not complying with 14 CFR Section 91.159(a).
NOTE-
As required by 14 CFR Section 91.159(a), the appropriate VFR altitudes for aircraft (not in a holding pattern of 20 minutes or less, or turning) operating more than 3,000 feet above the surface to and including 18,000 feet MSL:
Magnetic courses 0-179- odd cardinal altitudes plus 500 feet; e.g., 3,500, 5,500.
Magnetic courses 180-359- even cardinal altitudes plus 500 feet; e.g., 4,500, 8,500.
PHRASEOLOGY-
VFR-ON-TOP CRUISING LEVELS FOR YOUR DIRECTION OF FLIGHT ARE:
more than 3,000 feet above the surface to FL 180:
ODD/EVEN ALTITUDES/FLIGHT LEVELS PLUS FIVE HUNDRED FEET.
((((( By way of the above definitions: "VFR" and "Flight Levels" mix like oil & water [except in the hallowed halls of the FAA...We're here to help...]. Change "...and including 18,000 feet MSL:" to 17,500 Change "...to FL 180:" to 17,500. )))))
****************************************************************************************************
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AIM
5-5-13. VFR-on-top
a. Pilot.
1. This clearance must be requested by the pilot on an IFR flight plan, and if approved, allows the pilot the choice (subject to any ATC restrictions) to select an altitude or flight level in lieu of an assigned altitude.
NOTE-
VFR-on-top is not permitted in certain airspace areas, such as Class A airspace, certain restricted areas, etc. Consequently, IFR flights operating VFR-on-top will avoid such airspace.
REFERENCE-
AIM, IFR Clearance VFR-on-top, Paragraph 4-4-8.
AIM, IFR Separation Standards, Paragraph 4-4-11.
AIM, Position Reporting, Paragraph 5-3-2.
AIM, Additional Reports, Paragraph 5-3-3.
b. Controller.
3. Before issuing clearance, ascertain that the aircraft is not in or will not enter Class A airspace.
((((( 5-5-13 makes me question the FAA's sense of A.D.M. and the example being set when attempting to educate VFR-on-top by mixing in any mention of Flight Levels )))))
3-1-4. Basic VFR Weather Minimums
TBL 3-1-1
Basic VFR Weather Minimums
Airspace
Flight Visibility Distance from Clouds
Class A Not Applicable Not Applicable Flight Visibility Distance from Clouds
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§ 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level.
Except while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below, unless otherwise authorized by ATC:
(a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and—
(1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500); or
(2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500).
(b) When operating above 18,000 feet MSL, maintain the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC.
((((( Can anybody think of a legitimate scenario where (b) applies given the definition of Class A airspace ? )))))
*****
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