• Daily News
  • Skies Online
  • Skies Digital
  • ASAP


Instrument IQ Quiz January/February 2012

Test your instrument flight rules (IFR) proficiency and sharpen your piloting skills with this exclusive Canadian Skies feature! Examine the following approach plate and take your best shot at the accompanying questions.

Instrument IQ Jan/Feb 2012 Approach plate
Click to view larger image.

WHITEHORSE (CYXY) NDB/DME 13R

1) What is the significance of the "black and white" circle symbol located within the communication box on the approach plate?
View answer

The symbol denotes limited operating hours for both tower and ground facilities. To find the hours of operation, the pilot would need to consult the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS).

2) What is the meaning of LR 330/ LR 339 shown on the DME (distance measuring equipment) arc transition?
View answer

The LR 330 and LR 339 are used during DME arc operations to indicate when a pilot should commence the turn to intercept the Final Approach Course. (AIM RAC 9.16 Straight-in Approach from an Intermediate Fix)

3) Why is timing to the missed approach point not indicated on this approach plate?
View answer

Timing is not indicated on this approach plate, as the missed approach point is based off DME, instead of timing (this is the primary reason DME is required for this approach plate).

4) The procedure turn is to be completed at _______ ft ASL (above sea level), within ________ NM (nautical miles) from the _______ NDB (non-directional beacon).
View answer

The procedure turn is to be completed at 6,600 ft ASL, within 10 NM of "JB" NDB. (Approach Plate)

5) To positively identify the "Letid" waypoint, which DME source would be required?
View answer

The IXY DME would need to be used to identify "Letid", not the YXY DME source. (Approach Plate)

6) If a pilot descended to the MSA (minimum safe altitude) of 8,000 ft ASL, how much obstacle clearance would be guaranteed?
View answer

1,000 ft obstacle clearance (AIM RAC 8.6 Minimum IFR Altitudes)

7) What is the minimum altitude a pilot could descend to, while navigating between the "PJ" NDB, and "JB" NDB?
View answer

7,500 ft ASL, which is a published transition found on the chart. (Approach Plate)

8) During landing on runway 13R would the pilot experience an upslope or downslope runway condition?
View answer

Upslope runway condition, as indicated on the mini airport diagram. (Approach Plate)

9) For a general aviation pilot attempting this approach to runway 13R, is an RVR approach ban a possibility?
View answer

No RVR approach ban for general aviation pilots to runway 13R, as this runway does not have RVR instrumentation installed. (AIM RAC 9.19.2 Approach Ban)

10) The 100 NM safe altitude is based on which geographic point, and would guarantee how many feet of obstacle clearance?
View answer

The geographic centre of the aerodrome. Whitehorse falls within DMR region #1; you would be guaranteed 2,000 ft of obstacle clearance. (AIM RAC Section 2.12 Mountainous Regions, and AIM RAC 8.6 Minimum IFR Altitudes)

View All Answers - Hide All Answers

Michael Power is an IFR pilot examiner, and works with Professional Flight Centre in Delta, B.C., as the manager of IFR operations. He also works as a pilot for a regional carrier and currently flies the Canadair CRJ. Michael can be reached via email at mike@profir.com.




Looking for another challenge? Try one of our previous Instrument IQ quizzes:
 
 

Did you know?

During World War II, the RCAF reached a personnel peak of over 200,000 - and became the fourth largest air power in the Allied Forces.
Source: www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca