Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Record of Amendment Date of Date Entered By Amendment Entered Original February 2012 Terri Super June 2012 June 2012 2013-1 February 2013 2013-2 June 2013 2015-1 June 2015 2015-2 July 2015 2016-1 March 2016 2016-2...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures List of Effective Pages Page # Amendment Date Page # Amendment Date Page # Amendment Date 2019-2 Jun 2023 2023-1 Jun 2023 2023-1 Jun 2023 2019-2 Jun 2023 2023-1 Jun 2023 2023-1 Jun 2023 2019-2...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Contents Contents RECORD OF AMENDMENT ...................... 2 LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES ....................... 3 CONTENTS ..........................4 CHAPTER – GENERAL......................8 Introduction ..........................8 Application ..........................8 Abbreviations and Acronyms ..................... 8 Definitions ..........................10 Notes, Cautions and Warnings ....................11 Units of Measure ........................
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 1.19 Standard Calls – Altitude and Heading ..................16 1.20 Barometric Altimeter Setting Procedures .................. 16 CHAPTER – PRE-FLIGHT ....................17 Introduction ..........................17 Arriving for a Flight ........................17 Operational Flight Plan ......................17 Check the Weather ........................
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Introduction ..........................47 Cruise ............................47 HASEL ............................48 Cross Country Procedures ......................48 SPOT operation ........................49 Periodic Checks ........................49 Position Reports ........................50 CHAPTER – DESCENT, LANDING AND SHUT-DOWN ............51 Introduction ..........................51 Descent Check ..........................
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures ENGINE ............................. 64 ELECTRICAL ..........................68 CABIN FIRE ..........................69 WING FIRE ..........................70 EMERGENCY LANDINGS ......................70 MISCELLANEOUS ........................72 INSTRUMENT MALFUNCTIONS ....................74 8.10 DIVERSION TO ALTERNATE DESTINATION ................. 75 8.11 UNSURE OF YOUR POSITION ..................... 75 8.12...
All students and instructors are expected to exercise sound judgment and consistency in their application. As these SOPs cover the Cessna 172s operated by Super T Aviation and contain procedures specific to those aircraft, they should be used only on those aircraft.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Aeronautical Information Manual Air Traffic Control, (ref. AIM) Capt Aircraft Captain CARs Canadian Aviation Regulations Calibrated Airspeed (ref. POH) Circuit Breaker Airport Crash, Fire Fighting and Rescue Services (DND) (ref. CFS) C of G Center of Gravity...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Maximum Flap Extended Speed, (ref. POH) Visual Meteorological Conditions (ref. CARs) Maximum Structural Cruising Speed (ref. POH) Never Exceed Speed Stalling Speed Vertical Speed Indicator Stalling Speed in the landing configuration at the most forward C of G...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures The temperature gradient from sea level to the altitude at which the temperature is -56.5 degrees C is -1.98 degrees per 1000 feet, and 0 degrees above that altitude. May – indicates permission. Must – primarily mandatory; may be used in a permissive sense.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures a. Navigation – Nautical Miles, (NM); b. Visibility – Statute Miles, (SM); c. Short distances (i.e. runway length) – Feet, (ft or '); d. Very short distances (i.e. weight and balance calculation) – Inches (in. or ") Fuel: a.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 1.9 Fueling Procedures The aircraft must be taxied to the fueling alley between the office and the fuel tanks or up to the portable tanks. Unless strong winds preclude it, taxi the aircraft to sit facing away from the main Super T hangar.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures It is imperative to show good airmanship on the ramp and in front of the hangar door. Do not taxi aircraft away from the hangar with the hangar door open. The prop wash from your aircraft may cause objects to blow around in the hangar, causing damage to persons or things.
General checks, checklists, and drills have been developed for the operation of the Cessna 172 to ensure that the required actions are not inadvertently omitted or completed in an inappropriate sequence. In this manual a check is a series of actions; a checklist is the physical written document that is associated with the check.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 1.18 Standard Calls – General To reduce the likelihood of an incorrect interpretation of a request or command and to initiate corrective action for undesirable situations, a number of Standard Calls have been established. Standard Calls are defined and referred to throughout the SOPs. The following are calls that have broad application or are not specifically dealt with elsewhere in this manual.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 2 Chapter – Pre-Flight 2.1 Introduction This chapter deals with procedures required before you go flying. 2.2 Arriving for a Flight Please ensure you arrive early enough before your scheduled booking to complete any or all of the following as per your instructor’s request.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Night Rating, VFR Over the Top Rating and Solo Night Cross Countries Type of Flight Ceiling Visibility Temperature Max Crosswind Dual Circuit VFR limits VFR limits 15 Knots Dual Practice Area 3000 Feet 5 Miles...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures the cross country. Make sure you make avail of this time to solidify your knowledge of the procedures required in planning a cross country. For any navigation exercise after your initial dual cross country, you will be required to complete your planning BEFORE your scheduled booking.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 2.7 Before Start Checks The Before Start Checks will be completed with your instructor for the first couple of lessons. Once the instructor feels you are capable of completing them by yourself, you will be required to complete this check. With this Check, you would read the checklist and complete each item as you go.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures o Aircraft has not been destroyed Radio Operators License (yours or your instructors) • Operators Handbook • o Always kept in the aircraft in the back seat pocket Weight and Balance Data • o Completed by the AMO Insurance •...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures The First Aid Kit must be secure at the rear of the aircraft under the cargo netting and the netting must be secured to the attachments points. Baggage/Cargo………….SECURED WITH INSTALLED NETS Ensure baggage and cargo is secured either under the netting in the baggage compartment, stored under the back seats, or strapped to the back seat with the seatbelt.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures If the instrument includes a red flag to indicate its serviceability, it should disappear when you turn the master on. Pitot Heat......CHECK Turn the Pitot Heat switch on in the cockpit. Feel the Pitot Heat with your hand to see if it is warming up.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures After you have completed the appropriate cockpit checks (as listed above), close the door and start your walk-around at the baggage door on the left side of the aircraft. You will make your way around the aircraft and return back to this door.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures closest to the wing root. Look for any debris or water, and a light blue hue. Water is heavier than fuel so it will bubble and sink to the bottom of the cup. If water is found in the sample continue to drain until the sample is only fuel.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Left Main Tire – Check as per Right Main Tire above. Left Main Wheel Strut – Check as per Right Main Tire above. Tie-downs and chocks can be removed at this time. If the walk-around is done before you meet with your instructor, the front chock can be slid outside the wheel and the back chock left in place.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Check Oil Pressure Alternator Check Charging Engine Start Time Record At the completion of the checklist state – “Engine Start Completed, After Start next”. Engine Start – Expanded Chocks/Tie-Downs………………………….…..REMOVED Passenger Briefing Briefing……….………….COMPLETE It is important to let your passengers know where safety equipment is located in the aircraft, how to use the doors, what to do in the event of an emergency, and how to keep themselves comfortable.
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“Before we get started I would like to review with you a few of the safety features of the Cessna 172. There are two main emergency exits – the doors through which we entered the aircraft. The two windows in the main exits could also be used for emergency exits.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Standard Emergency Briefing “Any problems affecting safety before rotation - reject the take off. Engine fire or failure after rotation: • • _______ (I or you) will have control Glide speed 65 kts • Mixture idle cut-off •...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Make sure the throttle lever is pulled back to idle. With your right hand, take your index finger and place it at about 1/8” from the base of the throttle. Now push the throttle in until your finger touches the base.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures This check is completed immediately after starting the aircraft. Normally, the aircraft is in the same position on the ramp as when you performed the start. Again, with this checklist, read the checklist out loud with the response as you complete...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Mixture........LEAN For taxi the mixture is leaned slightly to prevent carbon build up on the spark plugs. Lean the mixture by approximately one knuckle width (from your fingertip to your first knuckle). Magnetos........CHECK FOR ROUGHNESS Twist the key from the both position to each magneto separately and listen for a slight drop in power with no roughness.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures that would permit exchange of traffic information, as required. Taxiing Taxi Speed – Taxi speed shall be appropriate to the conditions. Taxiing speed should not exceed a fast walk. For taxiing in open areas or when necessary, taxi speed may be increased, but shall not be such that harsh braking or turning at high speed is required.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Point at the instruments as indicated as you verbalize the following: “Right turn” “Right turn indicated, ball to the left” “Steady” “Increasing” Mag Compass “Free and swinging” ADF (if applicable) “Tracking” “Left turn” “Left turn indicated, ball to the right”...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Clear Area Fuel Both Mixture Rich Throttle 1700 RPM Check Engine Instruments Ammeter Check Suction Check 4.5” to 5.4” Max Drop 125 RPM, Magnetos Max 50 RPM difference Check Carb Heat Mixture Control Check Carb Heat...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Suction........CHECK 4.5” to 5.4” The suction needle should read within this range (the green range). If it reads below this, the vacuum instruments may not be getting the suction they need to spin the gyro’s fast enough for correct indications.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Throttle.........IDLE Gently retard the throttle to idle position. Oil Pressure......CHECK Oil Pressure should remain above the red line. Carb Heat......OFF Throttle........800-1000RPM Mixture........LEAN Lean for taxi as described in the after start checklist 3.5 Before Takeoff Checks Continue with this check in the same position as your run-up.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Windows can stay open until ready for departure if it is hot. Make sure both doors are closed properly by pushing out on the door and checking around the seal, check that both are locked.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Primer........IN & LOCKED Gently tug the primer knob to make sure that it is closed and locked in place Flight Controls......FREE AND CORRECT Standard Flight Control Check Accomplish the Flight Control Check by moving the controls in the...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Type of Take-off and from what seat - Explain what type of take-off you will perform: a normal, short field or soft field, with or without obstacle; from the right or left seat Runway – State the expected runway you will be using and what the surface condition is eg.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures EXAMPLE: This will be a short field take off with an obstacle from the left seat, runway 21, paved, level, dry. 2400 pounds. Flap 10. Wind 240 at 15, ailerons to the right into wind. Lift off at 51, obstacle speed 56.
ALPHA or BRAVO. Remember the “Clear Right”/”Clear Left” calls as you maneuver. Communication should be as follows: Medicine Hat Radio this is, Cessna 172 ___ (four letter call sign) with information ___ (ATIS ident). Wait for response from Medicine Hat Radio...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Medicine Hat Radio ____ (three or four letter call sign, depending on how Radio answered you), run-up complete, planning to taxi ____ (Alpha/Bravo) for runway ____ (21, 03, 27, 09) for a flight to the ____ (W,SW,SE,E,NE,N practice area, circuits, or departing for ____ destination) via ____ (SHP) at ____ (altitude).
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Mixture........RICH BELOW 3000 FEET OR AS REQUIRED If you are taking off from a field with the elevation above 3000ft, it may be required that you lean the mixture to get the power required prior to take-off. Refer to the aircraft POH for specific RPM settings for take-off and procedures at high altitudes.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 4 Chapter – Normal Flight Procedures Takeoff and Departure 4.1 Introduction The aim of these SOPs is not to teach you how to accomplish the takeoff itself. That is left to the instructor. The procedures below are to help standardize any calls that Super T expects you to make or any standard procedures we expect you to follow.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures At this point you are busy flying the aircraft. Do this check from memory saying the bold print as you action the check. Action Response At the 400 feet “400 Feet mark, complete Flaps Up...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 5 Chapter Normal Flight Procedures – Cruise 5.1 Introduction This chapter of the SOPs provides guidance for the cruise level off and standardization for the safety check to be used for exercises in the practice area.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures rotating ring on your airspeed indicator, match the pressure altitude opposite the temperature (in Fahrenheit) and the needle of your IAS will point to the TAS on the outer rotating ring. NOTE Before changing the altimeter setting to 29.92”Hg, make sure to take a note of your current altimeter setting and to reset the altimeter to that setting after finding the pressure altitude.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures iii) A VFR Flight Plan must be filed for each leg of the cross country. No round robin Flight Plans are approved. A SPOT, a satellite personal tracker, must be on board and activated for the duration of the cross country.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Periodically during cruise, but no less than once every 30 minutes: • Carry out a visual check of the engine instruments, • Reset your Heading Indicator, Check the Carb Heat by applying and noting the reaction, •...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 6 Chapter – Descent, Landing and Shut-Down 6.1 Introduction This chapter of the SOPs provides guidance for normal operations from and including the start of the descent through to, and including, shutdown of the engine at the completion of the flight.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures airport at ____ (altitude), inbound for ____ (landing, circuits), estimating the control zone in ____ (minutes). Be prepared to note any change to the Altimeter Setting and listen for FSS Traffic Advisory. Medicine Hat Radio ___ (3 or 4 letter call sign), Altimeter ___ (if it has changed from the ATIS), Check the traffic (if appropriate), we will enter ___ (Downwind, base, final) for runway ___ (21,03,27,09).
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures After completing the check, call “Pre-landing Check Complete, After Landing Next”. To which the instructor will reply “Cross-checked”. Pre-Landing Check Expanded Gauges……………………….…..CHECK Ensure all the engine gauges are reading normal. Primer…………………………..LOCKED Give the primer a tug to ensure it is locked.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 6.5 Landing Please note the following speeds to be used for your approach: Zero Flap to 10 degrees of flap 70 KIAS 20 degrees of flap 65 KIAS 30-40 degrees of flap 60 KIAS Unless strong crosswinds or gusts are present, all landings will be executed with full flap.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Flaps..........20⁰ (immediately) Climb Speed.........55 KIAS Flaps..........10⁰(until obstacles are cleared, then gradually retract at 60 KIAS and passing 400ft AGL) 6.7 Communication On final, make the following call: Medicine Hat Radio ____ (3 or 4 letter call sign) on final runway ____ (21,03,27,09).
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Do not attempt to complete the After Landing Check until you are slowed down and have the aircraft under control. You may elect to complete this check after you have taxied off the runway. There is no absolute need to come to a stop on the taxiway to complete this check, but if you don’t, ensure that completing the check does not interfere with your...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures MONITOR 121.5 – RESET TO Radio 122.2 Avionics Master/Radio Switches OFF EXCEPT BEACON Lights Magnetos LIVE CHECK Mixture IDLE CUT OFF Magnetos OFF AND KEY OUT Master Control Lock INSTALLED Fuel LEFT TANK Engine Stop Time...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Mixture........IDLE CUT OFF Slowly cut off the fuel flow to the engine Magnetos........OFF AND KEY OUT Hang the key on the heading indicator knob Master........OFF Control Lock......INSTALL Fuel..........LEFT TANK To minimize cross-feeding (especially when on a sloped surface) the fuel should be secured on one side.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 7 Chapter – Abnormal and Emergency Procedures 7.1 Introduction General – The contents of this chapter pertain to operations during abnormal and emergency situations. Judgment, skill, and training are necessary to bring an abnormal or emergency situation to a safe conclusion. In training, these may be simulated situations but the response should remain the same.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Although it is usually desirable to complete abnormal and emergency procedures quickly, it is more important that they be done correctly. iii) The safety of passengers and persons on the ground is the first priority. The safety of the crew is the second priority.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures The QRH that follows in Chapter 8 is to be published as a separate entity without reference to Chapter numbers. Organization The QRH is grouped into the following sections: Abnormal Starts Engine iii) Electrical Cabin Fire...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Type of emergency (i.e. engine failure, electrical fire, etc) Preparation for emergency landing – include: Try to keep the passengers calm and reassure them that you have the situation under control Seat belt /should harness use Have the front passenger slide his/her seat back to avoid striking the dash.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Place the ELT on a refractive surface (piece of metal) in an upright position, with the switch placed in the “on” position. Fires An electrical fire is usually first indicated by the odor of burning insulation.
8.1 Introduction The Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) is intended to be used in aiding the pilot when faced with abnormal or emergency situations. It and the normal Cessna 172 checklist are to be kept onboard the aircraft at all times.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Fire Damage………………………………………………INSPECT Maintenance……………………………………………….NOTIFY ENGINE FAILURE/FIRE BEFORE ROTATION Throttle IDLE Brakes MAX UNTIL STOP Flaps RETRACT Mixture IDLE CUT OFF Ignition Switch Advise FSS Master Switch If the aircraft is on fire EVACUATE ENGINE FAILURE/FIRE AFTER ROTATION...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Ignition Switch BOTH or START IF PROPELLER STOPPED If restart not feasible or unsuccessful Mayday Call TRANSMIT Current Freq, 126.7, or 121.5 Transponder to 7700 Engine SECURE Fuel Selector Mixture IDLE CUT OFF Ignition Switch...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures CARBURETOR ICING Indication – gradual loss of RPM and eventual engine roughness or stoppage Throttle FULL FULL ON Carb Heat Engine may run even rougher while the ice clears – leave Carb Heat ON until engine runs smooth...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures NOTE Low oil pressure with normal oil temperature may indicate oil pressure gauge or relief valve malfunctioning. Not necessarily cause for immediate precautionary landing. However, a landing at the nearest airport would be advisable to inspect the source of trouble.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures CHECK FOR SIGNS OF SMOKE/FIRE Radio/Electrical Switches ON AS REQUIRED TURN ON ONLY THOSE REQUIRED CHECK FOR SIGNS OF SMOKE/FIRE Vents/Cabin Air/ Heat OPEN when ascertained fire is completely out LOW (HIGH) VOLTAGE LIGHT ILLUMINATES IN FLIGHT...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures If fire cannot be extinguished PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY LANDING 8.6 WING FIRE Navigation Lights Pitot Heat Strobe Lights (if installed) If fire does not extinguish PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY LANDING NOTE Perform a sideslip to keep flames away from the fuel tank and cabin, and land using zero flaps.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures DITCHING Mayday Call TRANSMIT Current Freq, 126.7 or 121.5 Transponder to 7700 Heavy Objects SECURE OR JETTISON HIGH WINDS, HEAVY SEAS Approach – INTO WIND LIGHT WINDS, HEAVY SWELLS – PARALLEL TO SWELLS 20 to 40°...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures Approach 60 KIAS Master Switch If landing on unprepared surface, OFF Doors If landing on unprepared surface, UNLATCH PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN Touchdown SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW Ignition Switch If landing on unprepared surface, OFF APPLY HEAVILY...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures BRAKE FAILURE As evidenced by no resistance when brake pedals are checked on downwind. NORMAL Approach Touchdown ON MAINS AS CLOSE TO BEGINNING OF RUNWAY AS POSSIBLE Mixture IDLE CUT OFF ON TOUCHDOWN Have aircraft towed or moved by hand after coming to a stop and securing the aircraft.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures AS REQUIRED. Carb Heat IF CONTINUOUS CARB HEAT REQ’D, LEAN MIXTURE Land AS SOON AS PRACTICAL. CONSIDER AN OFF–AIRPORT PROCEDURE IF ICE BUILD UP IS RAPID Ice accumulation of ¼ inch or EXPECT SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER STALL SPEED...
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 8.10 DIVERSION TO ALTERNATE DESTINATION If a decision is made to divert to an alternate destination. • Make an early decision. Identify present position. • Decide alternate destination: • o Within fuel range and suitable terrain.
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures • Consider returning to last known position. Keep in mind the 1 in 60 rule. Each degree off track you may be translates to one • mile off course in 60 miles. That means that if you have drifted 5° off course on a 120 mile cross country, you are not more than 10 miles off your destination.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 8.12 PASSENGER BRIEFINGS ENGINE FAILURE/FIRE This is a sample of the briefing to give to passengers in the event of an emergency that requires a Forced Approach: Forced Approach Briefing “Please remain calm. We are experiencing a problem that requires us to land immediately.
Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures 9 CHAPTER – PRACTICE AREAS Amendment 2023-1, June 2023 78 | P a g e...
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Cessna 172 Standard Operating Procedures ROUTES TO AND FROM PRACTICE AREAS DEPARTURES CLIMB STRAIGHT AHEAD TO 1000 FEET AAE BEFORE MAKING ANY TURNS. ONCE PAST 1000 • FEET AAE TURN TOWARDS DESIRED PRACTICE AREA AS OUTLINED BELOW AND CONTINUE CLIMBING TO A MINIMUM OF 4500 ASL BEFORE LEAVING CIRCUIT AREA.
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