Flight Planning
SECURITY TFRs
FSS tip of the week:
Spell it out from Alpha to Zulu
Use the phonetic alphabet to get a more efficient, accurate flight service briefing. According to a pilot and flight service specialist with Lockheed Martin, many pilots fail to use the phonetic alphabet when they contact FSS. All briefers know the phonetic alphabet, so it should be the default when spelling words. For example, when giving an airport’s identification, state “Departing Foxtrot Delta Kilo; Frederick, Maryland” instead of “Departing FDK.” This simple tweak could help ensure that your flight plan doesn’t get misplaced in the system. For more FSS tips, download AOPA’s quick reference card, and take the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s online minicourse, A Pilot’s Guide to Flight Service. Report complaints and compliments on the service you received by calling 888/358-7782.
Popular Flight Planning Links
- Intercept procedures card
- Airport taxiway diagrams
- Runway flash cards
- Airspace flash cards
- Flight planner form
- Pilot report (pirep) form
Questions About Flying?
AOPA’s Pilot Information Center
Phone: 800/USA-AOPA
E-mail: pilotassist@aopa.org
Real-Time Flight Planner Notice
DTC DUAT's weather overlay interface with AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner is currently experiencing technical difficulties. DTC is actively working to resolve the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
FLIGHT PLANNING NEWS
Where in the world is Tom?
AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne has embarked on a transatlantic jaunt with Air Journey LLC in a turbine-converted Beechcraft Duke. So far he’s made it to Goose Bay.
FAA asked to consider working group for tracon consolidation
At the latest in a series of public meetings about plans to consolidate the Palm Beach Tracon into the Miami facility, pilots and air traffic controllers explained their concerns and service needs.
Top 3 fuel-saving techniques for pilots
A top concern among AOPA members is the rising cost of avgas. Although alternate fuel sources are being explored all over the world, it will be some time before any of them have a direct impact on general aviation.
Extra planning, flexibility a must for Bahamas trips
Pilots who want to enjoy the beautiful islands of the Bahamas by general aviation should take extra care when planning their trips and understand that the rules and conditions are different than those at home.
End of the road for steam gauges?
The buzz among avionics makers at a recent trade show was all about glass cockpits and synthetic vision. Even steam gauge companies are going digital. Our editors were there to blog about it.
Navy abandons study, pursues new plan for Super Hornets
Under pressure from state and local governments and AOPA, the Navy is abandoning a supplemental environmental impact study in favor of a new study on the impact of building an outlying landing field, or OLF, in the Virginia Tidewater region or along the North Carolina coast.
FSS gets ready for busy summer season
Change is never easy. And that is why AOPA is working closely with the FAA and FSS contractor Lockheed Martin to make sure there isn’t a repeat of last summer’s FSS glitches.
