Flying in the USA Notes

→ Essentials

• AOPA · ForeFlight · File flight plans
• Airspace: learn it. Transponder always on.
• Weather before every flight. Fuel: plan for more than enough.
• Emergency: 121.5

→ General

• Resume own navigation = NOT frequency change approved
• Card for fuel: strip to left top
• Flight Service: 1-800-992-7433
• Always get information before entering controlled airspace
• Uncontrolled fields: position reports at 5 & 10 NM
• Golf airspace not depicted: 1200 ft; magenta = G lowered to 700 ft AGL
• TFR = Temporary Flight Restricted Area
• 45° entries for downwind; reduce speed when entering pattern
• Write down: Hobbs, times, destination, fuel, FBO fees
• Always read back B clearances

→ Non-towered

• *RP = special conditions, see chart supplement
• Initial call 10 NM from airport
• Pattern altitude: 1000 ft AGL (1500 ft for large/turbine)
• State UNICOM identifier in each transmission
• If runway unclear: overfly at 500–1000 ft above pattern
• Call format: IDENTIFIER UNICOM + type + reg + location + altitude + intention

→ Towered

• Initial call 15 NM from airport
• No clearance needed to leave freq when outside airspace
• Ask for suggested headings if unsure

→ Flight following

• Centres (rural) and approaches (near airports)
• Freqs: ForeFlight, chart supplement, 1-800-WX-BRIEF, IFR charts
• Call: callsign + type + position + altitude + destination
• Request on clearance delivery at larger airports when available
• Guard: 121.5

// Tips

• ForeFlight ruler for bearing from position
• Stick to semicircular rules
• Low-level IFR chart for FF freqs and MEAs (mountain crossings)
• A/C trim before engaging AP; new config → disconnect and re-engage
• Propeller full fine in extreme downdrafts