Flight Instructors Training Procedures _revised AIC_x

1. AIM
DEFINITION
EXERCISE 18B
NAVIGATION AT LOWER LEVELS/REDUCED VISIBILITY
Low flying is a condition of flight between ground level and 500 ft agl. where movement past objects
on the ground as well as the effects of wind drift, may be appreciated.
WHAT THE INSTRUCTOR IS TO TEACH
i. Discuss the aerodynamic principles involved.
ii. The air exercise briefing:
a. Applicable procedures and check Lists.
b. Aircraft handling techniques: - Demonstration and Observation.
c. Considerations of Airmanship and engine handling.
d. Similarity to previous exercises.
e. De-briefing after flight.
WHY IT IS BEING TAUGHT
Due to the necessity of having to occasionally operate the aircraft at minimum level (such as under
low cloud with poor visibility), the exercise requires a high standard of flying, self discipline and
decision making ability than is required when operating at normal flight altitudes.
These requirements can only be met if the student has a complete understanding of the theory which
will eventually determine:
i. The aircraft configuration – the visibility and aircraft altitude above the terrain will determine
the safe speed at which to fly.
ii. The routes to follow – divert, turn back or continue to destination.
iii. The effect of wind.
iv. The effect of speed and inertia.
v. The effect of turbulence at low altitudes.
vi. The effect of precipitation:
a. Reduction in forward visibility.
b. Possible icing problems – airframe and engine.
c. Rain on the windscreen causes refraction and diffusion of light waves, thereby
distorting visibility. The pilot may be misled into thinking he is higher than he actually
is.
vii. Low flying map reading techniques.
HOW THE EXERCISE APPLIES TO FLYING
i. Low level navigation.
ii. Precautionary landing.
iii. Bad weather circuit and landing.
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