Diversion and Lost Procedures

OBJECTIVE: To become familiar with diversion & lost procedures and how to apply it before and during flight.

ELEMENTS

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to diversion
Selects an appropriate alternate airport and route
Makes an accurate estimate of heading, groundspeed, arrival time, and fuel consumption to the alternate airport
Maintains the appropriate altitude, ±200 feet and heading, ±15°
Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to lost procedures
Selects an appropriate course of action
Maintains an appropriate heading and climbs, if necessary
Identifies prominent landmarks
Uses navigation systems/facilities and/or contacts an ATC facility for assistance, as appropriate
Complies with ATC directions.

COMMON ERRORS

Attempting to complete new flight plan before heading in direction of new destination
Waiting to obtain ATC assistance until fuel gages are on “E”
Failing to plan for alternates
CFIs: Not forcing your students to identify alternate airports for solo flights, including proper endorsements for such

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Climb, Charts, Conserve, Communicate, Confess, Comply
Many areas in Continental U.S. have radar coverage, may need to climb to be in coverage and for better ATC communications.
If not able to locate self within 15 minutes, get ATC assistance.
Do not hesitate to use 121.5 and/or declare an emergency before fuel gets low or sun sets
Make diversion decisions earlier rather than later, however, do not hesitate to divert if needed
In diversion, get headed towards new destination sooner, rather than have a perfect flight plan to get there first.

STUDY