First Low-level Route

STUDENT GUIDE

VISUAL NAVIGATION

6.6.3. Takeoff, Departure to Entry Point of First Low-level:

6.6.3.1. All sorties are planned to start with a standard fuel quantity (4500 lbs. for T-1A / 7200

lbs. for the T-39). From this initial amount, subtract the start, taxi, and takeoff (STTO) amount

(assume 200 lbs. of fuel for T-1A, leaving 4300 lbs. and 400 lbs. of fuel for T-39, leaving 6800

lbs.). For initial climb fuel computations, refer to your T-1A / T-39 In-flight guide/checklist for

the most current information. (Figure 6-14 and 6-15 may be used to work problems in this text,

but the In-flight guide/checklist is the approved source for flight computations.) For the descent

fuel computations, refer to item 6 in figures 6-14 and 6-15. For example, an initial altitude of

10,000 feet would result in 20 lbs. of fuel consumed over a distance of 16 NM in a T-1A and 60

lbs. of fuel consumed over 20 NM in a T-39.

6.6.3.2. Note each stereo route (as described in the In Flight Guide) states the final requested

altitude for initial level off (typically 10000 feet) as well as any turn points filed between take off

and the entry point. While the distance from takeoff to entry will depend on the runway in use,

the longest option for the local area routes is takeoff from RWY 7 L/R. Use a planning constant

of 65 NM from takeoff to TRADR (NPA264/037) or 60 NM to ENSLY (NPA340/027).

6.6.3.3. With the climb distance and fuels computed, measure a total distance is from departure

to the low-level entry point along the planned route of flight. Summing the distances from

takeoff to low-level entry, subtract out the distance spent climbing or descending. Plan this

remaining distance using the cruise fuel flow table shown in figures 6-14 and 6-15. Remember

to apply winds to the cruise portions of your fuel plan. Computing an Estimated Fuel Remaining

(EFR) for the first entry point completes this step.

6.6.4. First Low-level Route

6.6.4.1. With an EFR for the entry point, compute the remaining EFRs for the first low-level by

subtracting out the fuel consumed on each leg (remember low-level fuel flow is assumed to be

1800 pph). If you are designated as the first student to fly, enter this data in both the data

worksheet and in the information stamps of the low-level chart. On the jet card, your route of

flight should include planning all the way to the entry point. On the line following the entry point

simply enter the route description (VR1020, 1021, etc) and the total fuel estimated for the low-

level (Figure 6-17).

6.6.4.2. Computing an EFR for the first low-level's exit point completes this step.

6.6.5. Interim VFR Leg.

6.6.5.1. For the interim leg, assume the extra fuel required to climb to planned cruise altitude

offsets fuel saved in the descent to the second low-level entry. Note item 7 of figure 6-14, which

states specific fuel flows and airspeeds to use in planning the VFR leg. To apply these

assumptions, measure the distance along the planned routing. Apply wind affect to the applicable

airspeed to derive a ground speed and derive a total time between the first low level exit and the

second low level entry. Next, use this time to compute the fuel consumed during the IFR enroute

portion. Computing an EFR at the second low-level entry point completes this step.

6.6.6. Second Low-level Route

6.6.6.1. The second low-level route is computed just as the first. If you are designated as the

second student to fly, use the EFR for the second entry to compute low-level chart fuel data

(EFR). Determining the EFR at the second low-level target completes this step.

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