Takeoff/Departure
Familiarization
LOOKOUT DOCTRINE
Since there is no radar separation of aircraft when they are operating under VFR conditions or MARSA in
the MOA, you must constantly clear the airspace into which you will be flying. If you are on an IFR flight
and the actual conditions are VMC, you are still responsible for visually clearing your airspace. The
dangers of midair collisions cannot be overemphasized. The “big sky, little airplane” theory can’t be
depended upon.
SECTOR SCANNING
When properly performed, sector scanning is very effective for locating other aircraft operating in or near
your immediate airspace. Simply looking outside the cockpit in a random manner does not suffice, since
your eyes are probably focused a short distance from the aircraft. By focusing your eyes on a distinct
point, such as a ground reference, cloud, or over a wingtip, you will find it easier to spot aircraft in the
vicinity. You can maintain an effective lookout doctrine by alternately scanning 20- to 30-degree segments
of the horizon both laterally and vertically and then returning to the cockpit to monitor the performance
instruments.
15-MINUTE REPORTS
After level off and at about 15-minute intervals, report your fuel quantity and engine status to the instructor.
This procedure develops a habit pattern of periodically checking your fuel and instruments.
NOTE: Perform the same checks for the 15-minute reports as you did for the 10,000 Foot Checklist.
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