IFR FL Question
 

Anyone help on this one, dont quite follow my notes, thanks very much!

What is the appropriate IFR Flight Level for a magnetic track of 125 degrees in non RVSM airspace?

29
31
35
28

A quick explanation would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas

Do you mean:

290
310
350
280?

http://nz.compass-virtual.net/images/ICAO_cruise.gif

No further explanation needed I think.

East track = from FL290 on add 40
West track = from FL310 on add 40

Thanks chaps, yes, thats it, just a PPL doing the ATPLs, zero experience of IR!

Dream2Jet, instead of just memorizing what captain.weird mentioned:

East track = from FL290 on add 40
West track = from FL310 on add 40

I think it is better for you to understand the reason why is that so. Because memory might fail you one day, but knowledge will not fail you.

Vertical separation of 2000 ft is used above FL290 is due to the reduced accuracy of the altimeter at higher altitudes. From FL290 to FL410, there are only 7 usable FL. FL290, FL310, FL330, FL350, FL370, FL390, FL410.

http://www.boldmethod.com/images/blo...m-airspace.jpg

However, due to the growing volume of air traffic over the years and the continually improving technical equipment of the aircraft, therefore Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) was introduced with a vertical separation of 1000 ft.

This way, from FL290 to FL410, there will be 13 usable FL instead of 7. FL290, FL300, FL310, FL320, FL330, FL340, FL350, FL360, FL370, FL380, FL390, FL400, FL410.

http://www.boldmethod.com/images/blo...m-airspace.jpg

Not only that it provides more usable FLs, it also allows the aircraft to operate at a FL that is closer to the optimum FL which is more fuel efficient.

In order to operate in RVSM, aircraft must have the following equipment which is capable of:

1) indicating to the flight crew the flight level being flown (2 altimeters that are independent of one another);
2) automatically maintaining a selected flight level (autopilot);
3) providing an alert to the flight crew when a deviation occurs from the selected flight level. The threshold for the alert shall not exceed ± 90 m (300 ft); and
4) automatically reporting pressure-altitude. (Transponder)

Separation between RVSM-approved aircraft is 1000 ft.
Separation between Non-RVSM and any other aircraft (RVSM approved or not) is 2000 ft.

Thanks Singapore, thats a great help, just a lot to learn for these ATPLs, most of it going to be useful one day?!

Yes, it is useful.