VFR Flight Guide PREFLIGHT
This planning section of the VFR Flight Guide has been designed to bring together thenecessary information from the various documents in one place to enable the pilot in
command to safely plan a flight. Some of the information has been reproduced from
other sections to enhance usability of the document.
Where the information has been significantly restructured from the Regulation or
Orders the appropriate reference has been given.
PRE-FLIGHT INFORMATION (AIP GEN 3.3-4)
The Preflight Briefing Service is primarily an automated service. Pilots are encouraged to
obtain Preflight briefing, either via the self-help electronic systems or through the briefing
offices. These services are listed in ERSA GEN. For pilots who require an elaborative
briefing, contact numbers for ATS and Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) staff are available
from the briefing offices.
Pilots must obtain an appropriate Preflight briefing before departure from those places
where suitable facilities exist. Where suitable facilities are not available, a briefing may be
obtained from FLIGHTWATCH as soon as practicable after the flight commences. The
information requested should be confined to data considered essential for the safe
conduct of the flight to the first point of intended landing where additional information
can be obtained.
Note: Preflight briefing will not normally be provided on ATC communication channels.
PLANNING OF FLIGHT BY PILOT IN COMMAND (CAR 239)
• Before beginning a flight, the pilot in command shall study all available information
appropriate to the intended operation, and, in the cases of flights away from the vicinity
of an aerodrome and all I.F.R. flights, shall make a careful study of:
A. current weather reports and forecasts for the route to be followed and
at aerodromes to be used;
B. the airways facilities available on the route to be followed and the condition
of those facilities;
C. the condition of aerodromes to be used and their suitability for the aircraft to
be used; and
D. the Air Traffic Control rules and procedures appertaining to the particular
flight; and
E. all Head Office and FIR NOTAM applicable to the en route phases of flight
and location - specific NOTAM for aerodromes
Note: Full details on the services provided by the briefing office(s) are available in ERSA GEN.
the pilot shall plan the flight in relation to the information obtained.
• When meteorological conditions at the aerodromes of intended landing are forecast to
be less than the minima specified by CASA, the pilot in command shall make provision
for an alternative course of action and shall arrange for the aircraft to carry the
necessary additional fuel.
The pilot must plan the flight in relation to the information obtained.
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PRE-FLIGHT INFORMATION
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FLIGHT PLAN PREPARATION
Note: Briefing Services have been consolidated into one central telephone number
1 800 805 150. This number serves both the Brisbane and Melbourne briefing
units. Full details of the services provided are available in ERSA GEN.
Forecasts must be either a flight forecast or an area forecast with an aerodrome forecast
for the destination and, when required, the alternate aerodrome. For a flight to a
destination for which a prescribed instrument approach procedure does not exist,
the minimum requirement is an Area Forecast.
For flights for which a forecast is required and cannot be obtained, the flight is permitted
to depart provided the pilot is satisfied that the weather at the departure point will permit
the safe return of the flight within one hour of departure. The flight is permitted to
continue if a suitable forecast is obtained for the intended destination within 30 minutes
after departure.
MUST RETURN IF NO FORECAST IS RECEIVED
WEATHER MUST
BE SUITABLE FOR
60 MINUTES FOR
DEPARTURE
30
MINS
60
MINS
MUST HAVE FORECAST
TO CONTINUE
DECISION
FORECAST REQUIREMENT
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RESPONSIBILITY OF PILOT IN COMMAND BEFORE FLIGHT (CAR 233)
• An aircraft shall not commence a flight unless evidence has been furnished to the
pilot in command and the pilot has taken such action as is necessary to ensure that:
A.the instruments and equipment required for the particular type of
operation to be undertaken are installed in the aircraft and are functioning
properly;
B. the gross weight of the aircraft does not exceed the limitations fixed by
or under regulation 235 and is such that flight performance in accordance
with the standards specified by CASA for the type of operation to be
undertaken is possible under the prevailing conditions;
and
C.any directions of CASA with respect to the loading of the aircraft given
under regulation 235 have been complied with;
D. the fuel supplies are sufficient for the particular flight;
E. the required operating and other crew members are on board and in
a fit state to perform their duties;
F. the air traffic control instructions have been complied with;
G.the aircraft is safe for flight in all respects; and
H.the latest of the aeronautical maps, charts and other aeronautical
information and instructions, published in AIP or by a person approved
in writing, that are applicable:
I. to the route to be flown; and
II. to any alternative route that may be flown on that flight; are
carried in the aircraft and are readily accessible to the flight crew.
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CLASS AIRSPACE COM REMARKS
RQMNTS
NVFR CTA AND OCTA VHF See para 1
VFR CTA VHF See para 1
VFR OCTA-A050 VHF Except GLIDERS at and
and above below FL200 See para 1
VFR OCTA-MBZ VHF See paras 1 & 4
VFR OCTA-below VHF in reduced VMC.
A030 or 1000FT AGL see paras 7 & 4
VFR/IFR CTA and OCTA HF If no ELB/ELT carried
Remote Area
Gliders OCTA VHF Operations at aerodromes
serviced by RPT. See para 1.4
1. VHF communications systems must be capable of communucation on all VHF
frequencies required to meet the reporting and broadcast requirements of ENR 1.1
para 19.1
2. The communications systems must be fitted with frequencies appropriate to the area
of operation as specified in the AIP ERSA. The frequencies appropriate fitted must be
sufficient to enable continuous communication with ATS units for the planned
duration of the flight or while operating within the specified area, taking into
account the expected radio propagation conditions during the period of operation.
3. At least one item of the required radio equipment must be capable of maintaining
continuous communication with ATS at all stages of the flight. The term “all stages
of flight” includes ground operations at the aerodromes of depature and arrival, and
cruising levels that could be required for any emergency and/or abnormal operation
en route.
4. An Australian Communication Authority approved and licensed hand-held VHF radio
may be used by pilots of:
A. VFR PVT and AWK aeroplanes with a MTOW not exceeding:
(1) in the case of an aeroplane other than a seaplane-544KG; (2) in the case of a seaplane with a single seat-579KG; and
(3) in the case of a seaplane with two seats 614KG and
B. gliders; and
C. balloons
5. Additionally, approved hand-held radios may be used by pilots of these aircraft
when operating OCTA. Pilots are responsible for ensuring that the equipment is able
to be operated without adversely affecting the safety of the aircraft. The location of
the antenna must be such that airframe shielding does not prevent two-way
communication with all aircraft operating within the MBZ/CTAF. Where the radio is
not connected to the aircraft primary power supply, there must be ready access to
back-up power.
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6. Planning Chart Australia (AUS PCA) shows the areas in which an aircraft, flying at
the altitudes indicated, could be expected to maintain continuous VHF
communications with ATS when.
7. RPT, CHTR and AWK aircraft are exempt from the requirements to carry HF radio
communication with ATS when:
A. VHF radio contact can be maintained with an appropriately trained
company representative able to communicate by telephone with ATS, and
B. the requirements of ENR 1.1 para 53.1 are satisfied.
8. Private aircraft without radio may be admitted to the CTRs for maintenance subject
to the approval of the appropriate ATC unit. Pilots must comply with any conditions
contained in the approval
TAKE-OFF AND LANDING OF AIRCRAFT ETC. (CAR 235)
1. CASA may, for the purposes of these Regulations, give directions setting out the
method of estimating, with respect to an aircraft at anytime:
• the weight of the aircraft, together with the weight of all persons and
goods (including fuel) on board the aircraft, at that time; and
• the centre of gravity of the aircraft at that time.
2. CASA may, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of air navigation, give directions
setting out the manner of determining, with respect to a proposed flight of an
aircraft:
• a maximum weight, being a weight less than the maximum take-off weight of the
aircraft; or
• a maximum weight, being a weight less than the maximum landing
weight of the aircraft;
that the gross weight of the aircraft at take-off or landing, as the case may be, is not
to exceed.
• A person must not contravene a direction under sub-regulation (1)
or (2).
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3. A manner of determining a maximum weight referred to in subregulation (2) shall
be such as to take into account such of the following considerations as CASA
considers appropriate:
• the type of aircraft;
• the kind of operations to be carried out during the flight;
• the performance of the aircraft in configurations in which it is likely to be
flown and with faults that are likely to occur;
• the meteorological conditions at the aerodrome at which the aircraft is to
take off or land;
• the altitude of the aerodrome at which that aircraft is to take off or land;
• the aerodrome dimensions in the direction in which the aircraft is to take
off or land;
• the material of which the surface of the aerodrome in the direction in
which the aircraft is to take off or land is constituted and the condition
and slope of that surface;
• the presence of obstacles in the vicinity of the flight path along which the
aircraft is to take off, approach or land;
• the anticipated meteorological conditions over the intended route to be
flown by the aircraft after take-off and over planned divergencies from
that route; and
• the altitude of the terrain along and on either side of the intended route
to be flown by the aircraft after take-off and of planned divergencies from
that route.
4. An aircraft shall not take off, or attempt to take off, if its gross weight exceeds its
maximum take-off weight or, if a lesser weight determined in accordance with a
direction under subregulation (2) is applicable to the take-off, that lesser weight.
5. An aircraft shall not take off, or attempt to take off, if its gross weight exceeds,
by more than the weight of fuel that would normally be used in flying to its next
landing place or planned alternative aerodrome, its maximum landing weight or,
if a lesser weight determined in accordance with a direction under subregulation (2)
is applicable to the landing at that place or aerodrome, that lesser weight.
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6. Except in an emergency, an aircraft shall not land if its gross weight exceeds its maximum landing weight or, if a lesser weight determined in accordance with a
direction under subregulation (2) is applicable to the landing, that lesser weight.
7. An aircraft shall not take off, or attempt to take off, unless any directions with
respect to the loading of the aircraft given under this regulation have been complied
with.
8. The pilot in command must ensure that the load of an aircraft throughout a flight
shall be so distributed that the centre of gravity of the aircraft falls within the
limitations specified in its certificate of airworthiness or its flight manual.
NOTE: CAAP 235 reiterates the safety precautions that should be used to ensure
compliance with this regulation. It includes directions on how to determine
runway clearance factors.
NATIONAL LOCAL CALL NUMBER
131 757
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
1. Locate the position of the aerodrome by means of Latitude and Longitude.
2. To obtain the Seasonal Declared density Altitude, add the height above sea
level of the aerodrome to the value read from this chart.
115
110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155
120 125 130 135 140 145 150
10
15
20
25
30
40
45
0
5
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DECLARED DENSITY CHART
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
1. Locate the position of the aerodrome by means of Latitude and Longitude.
2. To obtain the Seasonal Declared density Altitude, add the height above sea
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CAR 238 ICING CONDITIONS
An aircraft shall not take-off for the purpose of making a flight during which the
aircraft may fly into known or expected icing conditions unless the aircraft is
adequately equipped with de-icing or anti-icing equipment of such type and in such
quantities as CASA directs.
TO USE THE CHART
• obtain the wet and dry bulb temperatures
• enter the chart with the wet and dry bulb temperatures
• refer to the shading legend (above) appropriate to the intersection of the
temperature lines
• from the intersection of the temperature lines, obtain the relative humidity
on the curved scale, and the humidity ratio from the above scale.
EXAMPLE SHOWN ON THE CHART
• wet bulb temperature 14°C
• dry bulb temperature 18°C
• from the intersection of the temperature lines the shading gives:
MODERATE ICING: cruise power; SERIOUS ICING: descent power
• relative humidity 65 per cent
• humidity ratio 8.5gm water per kg air
WET BULB TEMPERATURE C
o
HUMIDITY
RATIO
o
DRY BULB TEMPERATURE C
gm water
kg air
SATURATED AIR
(WET BULB = DRY BULB)
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
CLOUD, FOG & MIST
ABOVE THIS LINE
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 SERIOUS ICING - any power
MODERATE ICING - cruise power;
SERIOUS ICING - descent power
SERIOUS ICING - descent power
LIGHT ICING - cruise or descent
power
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FUEL REQUIREMENTS (CAR 234)
• The pilot in command of an aircraft must not commence a flight within Australian
territory, or to or from Australian territory, unless he or she has taken reasonable
steps to ensure that the aircraft carries sufficient fuel and oil to enable the proposed
flight to be undertaken in safety.
• An operator of an aircraft must take reasonable steps to ensure that an aircraft does
not commence a flight as part of the operator’s operations unless the aircraft is
carrying sufficient fuel and oil to enable the proposed flight to be undertaken in
safety.
• For the purposes of these Regulations, in determining whether fuel and oil carried on
an aircraft in respect of a particular flight was sufficient within the meaning of subregulations (1) and (2), a court must, in addition to any other matters, take into
account the following matters:
A. the distance to be travelled by the aircraft on the flight to reach the
proposed destination;
B. the meteorological conditions in which the aircraft is, or may be required,
to fly;
C. the possibility of:
I. a forced diversion to an alternative aerodrome; and
II. a delay pending landing clearance; and
III. air traffic control re-routing the flight after commencement
of the flight; and
IV. a loss of pressurisation in the aircraft; and
V. where the aircraft is a multi-engined aircraft—an engine failure;
D. any guidelines issued from time to time by CASA for the purposes of this
regulation.
GENERAL
Guidance concerning fuel to be carried is contained in Civil Aviation Advisory
Publication (CAAP) 234-1, available from Airservices publications Centre, PO Box 1986,
Carlton South, Victoria, 3053.
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FUEL REQUIREMENTS
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FUEL PLANNING
PREFLIGHT PLANNING
• Determine total fuel capacity and useable fuel (refer Aircraft Flight Manual)
• Determine fuel consumption rates (refer Pilot’s Operating Handbook)
• Familiarise yourself with the aircraft’s fuel systems
• Check fuel availability enroute (note suppliers and operating hours)
• Plan to arrive with all fuel reserves intact - never plan to use fixed or variable reserve
fuel
• Weight versus fuel. Keep in mind that you may not be able to carry full tanks
• Check weather to determine holding and/or alternate fuel requirements
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
• Try to refuel on level ground to avoid inaccurate fuel measurements and unwanted
fuel transfer.
• Dip each tank to check the amount of fuel. If a tank cannot be dipped, fill at least
one tank (weight permitting) so there is a known fuel quantity.
• Cross-check fuel amounts by at least two separate methods. Use the lowest figure if
they vary by more than 3% (mandatory for aircraft with MTOW in excess of 5700kg)
• Ensure drains and vents are working properly
• If using Avgas, rock the aircraft to move trapped water over the drain point before
carrying out a fuel drain (refer aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations)
• Check for contaminants, particularly water; and correct fuel type
• Ensure the fuel filler cap is secure and sealed
IN FLIGHT
• At regular intervals (at least 30 minutes and at turning points) compare fuel
remaining from gauges with planned figures and monitor tank selection.
Caution: Gauge readings as per aircraft’s fuel calibration card
• Use planned power settings and correct mixture leaning technique (at all altitudes)
POST FLIGHT
• Compare usage figures with planned figures when next refuelling
FUEL RESERVE RECOMMENDATION
PISTON Private VFR not mandatory 45 minutes
Charter VFR 15% 45 minutes
TURBINE PVT & AWK VFR NIL 30 minutes
CHTR VFR 10% 30 minutes
TYPE CATEGORY VARIABLE RESERVE FLIGHT FIXED RESERVE
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