Virtual Skies

Navigation You Decide

Step 1
Questions Question 1 Question 2 Question 3
A.   Decision to be made
(Phrased as a question.):
Is my fuel adequate for this change in plans?
Which airport close by will provide me with the landing field I need?
Once I decide where to land who should I contact?
B.   Critical Factors Involved

fuel

flight time left

well lit airport/visibility

runway length

 

reporting change in flight plan

requesting landing

 

C.   Information known

I know I cannot land at either one of the airports I listed on my flight plan: Capital City or Abrams.

I know how much fuel my Seneca holds with a full tank: 122 gallons.

I know how far I have flown already: less than 32 miles.

I can calculate that I have approximately 117 gallons of fuel left which will be more than enough to get me safely to another airport.

I know that fuel is not a problem as I followed the FAA regulations for having more than enough fuel.

The aero chart will provide me with the detailed airport information I need.

I know how to read an aeronautical chart.

Contact the Flight Service Center to indicate a change in the flight plan and then contact local control of the new destination airport.

D.   Information needed
(question)

A) How much fuel do I have left?

B) How far will that remaining fuel take me?

A) How long of a runway does my Seneca require for a safe landing?

B) Which airport close by will provide me with the landing lights I need to land safely?

C) Which airport close by will provide me with the runway length I need to land safely?

 
E.   Resources for
fact-finding

Seneca flight and fuel specifications

aeronautical airport directory

Seneca Specifications

aeronautical chart

 
F.   Answers to
each question

A) I calculated that I have approximately 117 gallons of fuel left which will take me as far as I need to go safely.

B) I need to find an airport within a radius of approximately 700 miles. No problem with this factor.

A) The Seneca requires a runway with a length of 2,180 feet.

B) The following airports have landing lights available to help me land in the dark: Skyway, Maso-Jewett and Beach.

C) The following airports will have runways long enough to handle my Seneca from touchdown through landing roll: Skyway, Mason-Jewett, Beach and Maidens.

 



Step 2
A.   Possible Decisions B.   Negative
Consequences
B.   Positive
Consequences
C.   Rationale

1) Skyway Airport

Encroaches on some owl habitat, although, this being a tolerant species, the owls should manage.

Direction does not take full advantage of strongest (primary) winds.

Approach or take-off over city buildings may be a safety concern (regarding terrorist activity).

Rotor winds may provide a risk if airplane not at high altitude.

Traffic directed over city or not at all (if airport as far west as possible).

Close to highway and proposed exit, so road construction is minimal, as are water pipes and electrical lines routing excess power and water supplies to Keene

Far from river and much of wetland; appropriate waste water management should prevent water pollution.

Sufficient space is available to build a parallel runway or W-E runway 5,000 feet away from first runway.

High-rise hotels, gas station, and other facilities can be built below the SE edge of the 20-degree slope, and not be in flight paths

Meets most of residents' concerns.


 

2) Mason-Jewett Airport

 


 

3) Beach Airport

 


 

 

4) Maidens Airport


 

 


Step 3
Final decision with rationale: TOP 3 CHOICES First Choice: Second choice: Third Choice:  
Reflect upon decision:

 

 

 

 

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