Enroute Descent/Holding

CHAPTER THREE

RADIO INSTRUMENTS

CHANGE OF ROUTE OR DESTINATION DIVERT

While enroute, a decision might be made to divert from the planned destination and proceed to

the planned alternate or to another airfield. A change of destination may be requested through

Center using the DRAFT format.

D - Destination

R - Route of flight

A - Altitude desired

F - Fuel on board in hours and minutes

T - Time required in hours and minutes to destination

NOTE

The term "DRAFT" has no legitimate meaning outside the Naval

Air Training Command, and should not be used in communications

with ATC.

If Center is unable to accept the DRAFT, then a request must be made with a FSS using the

format found on the back of the IFR Supplement. If the destination airfield is changed with

Center using a DRAFT, it is very possible that Center will not notify a FSS and the original

destination will be expecting an arrival. After landing ensure the original destination airfield was

notified of the change.

ENROUTE DESCENT/HOLDING

There is no clearly defined point of transition between the enroute and terminal phases of a

flight. The terminal phase is generally thought of as consisting of those procedures associated

with the aircraft destination (or field for practice approaches during an enroute delay). The first

of these procedures is obtaining field information via an ATIS, if available.

On a typical RI event these procedures usually include obtaining field ATIS and approach

clearances, placing on file contingency clearances (DRAFT), TACAN holding, TACAN

approach, RADAR approach, and associated missed approach procedures.

Enroute Descent

The most expeditious recovery at a destination would obviously include an enroute descent

direct to the VFR traffic pattern (i.e. course rules at NPA). Such VFR procedures will not be

simulated in RI events. With IFR conditions simulated at the field and enroute to the field, the

most expeditious recovery would be an enroute descent with RADAR vectors to for a GCA

approach. The RI curriculum requires High Altitude Instrument Approach Procedures

(TACAN Approaches) in most cases.

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RADIO INSTRUMENTS