High Altitudes

T-6A INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION

CHAPTER SEVEN

HIGH ALTITUDES

These flights may be flown at the upper altitude extreme of the victor airway structure or on jet

routes. There are certain factors that vary with altitude. Among them are lower IAS than at

lower altitudes. However, the difference between IAS and TAS is greater at higher altitudes.

Use your navigation computer to determine TAS for the existing IAS, pressure altitude, and

OAT.

Remember, when flying at and above 18,000 feet MSL, altitudes are referred to as flight levels

(FL180 = 18,000 feet) and should be referred to as such on flight plans and over the radio. Refer

to the FIH Section B (Altimeter Changeover Procedures) to determine the lowest useable flight

level. Always use a standard altimeter setting of 29.92 when operating at or above 18,000 feet.

ENTRY INTO TERMINAL AREA

Prepare for the approach at your destination well in advance of your arrival in the terminal area.

A good time to start preparations is 100 miles out. Obtain ATIS for your destination and then

give the field brief to your IP. Review any STARs for your terminal area. Review the

approaches serving your destination. Also, review missed approach procedures and the route

you will fly to your alternate in the event this is necessary. Be prepared to give the DRAFT

Report to the terminal controller but your IP will be expecting to hear it from you first, if

required.

If you are expecting a PAR or ASR at your destination, back yourself up with an approach that

can be executed using compatible aircraft equipment. Back yourself up with an ILS/LOC, GPS,

and/or VOR. If there is not a NAVAID at the field, tune the nearest suitable ones that will aid in

orientation or executing missed approach.

Finally, the out-and-in/cross-country flights are a great exposure to the real world of aviation. It

is important not to focus solely on the FTI as in the past stages, but to incorporate information

from all available sources, both military and civilian. Sample sources include OPNAV 3710,

AIM, FIH, GP, and AP. All of these resources contain information you will need to be familiar

with in order to have a successful event.

OUT-AND-IN/CROSS-COUNTRY PROCEDURES 7-3