Instrument Flight
Flight Procedures
FLIGHT PROCEDURES
This section of the FTI discusses instrument flight procedures in sequence by phase of flight.
DEPARTURE PHASE
The departure phase of instrument flight includes that portion of your flight occurring from takeoff to level
off at your enroute altitude and requires specific communication and standard instrument departure
procedures.
DEPARTURE COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
In your initial communication with clearance delivery, you should state your aircraft identification, location
on the airport, type of operation planned (VFR or IFR), point of first intended landing, and request (i.e.
clearance on request). If no delay is expected, you should receive your clearance within 30 minutes of
filing your flight plan.
Your IFR clearance should contain the following information in order:
*
Aircraft identification
*
Clearance limit
*
Departure instructions or SID
*
Route of flight
*
Altitude
*
Special information, including departure frequency and IFF code
You should not accept a clearance if it has a clearance limit short of your destination, an altitude not in the
filed route structure, or an altitude at which sufficient fuel reserves would not be available, unless you
receive an expected further clearance time (EFC) or expected higher (suitable) altitude, as appropriate.
STANDARD INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE (SID)
The standard instrument departure (SID) is designed to expedite traffic from airfields and provide a set
transition from takeoff to the enroute structure while ensuring adequate vertical and horizontal aircraft
separation. The two types of SIDs are pilot nav (Figure 14) and vector (Figure 15).
Procedures - SID Preflight and pre-takeoff preparation
*
Identify frequencies used by ATC and ensure compatibility with communication equipment
*
Determine if your aircraft’s performance is adequate to adhere to all restrictions
*
Identify routes, altitude, and specific restrictions
NOTE: When accepting a SID, you must comply with all requirements and restrictions unless ATC
amends it.
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