Study and Reference Guide - Flight Dispatchers - TP 12513

From: Transport Canada

Study and Reference Guide - Flight Dispatchers - TP 12513
(PDF, 270 KB)

 

Third Edition - September 2002

Table of Contents

General

The conditions of issue of all flight crew licenses are stated in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Examinations

The examinations are as follows:

Examination Questions Time Limit Pass Mark
Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Procedures, Aeroplane Operations and General Navigation, Radio aids and Flight Planning 80 3½ hours 70%
Meteorology 100 3½ hours 70%

Knowledge Requirements

Generic training consists of the common body of knowledge required by all flight dispatchers. In order for a flight dispatcher candidate to commence on-the-job training at the air operator of employment, he or she must have passed both Transport Canada's generic examinations, one of which will test the meteorology-related subjects and the other the remaining subjects in this publication.

The proficiency levels used in this document are defined as follows:

  1. Denotes a basic knowledge of the subject:
    • The learner will be involved in learning facts.
    • Verbs such as list, recall, name etc. will be used to describe the student's performance.
    • Example: list the conditions for the withdrawal of an Air Operator's Certification.
  2. Denotes an understanding of the principle:
    • The learner will be required to remember and explain principles.
    • Verbs such as explain, define, write etc. will be used to describe the students performance.
    • Example: explain how a dispatcher uses the Air Almanac on the job.
  3. Denotes knowledge of the subject and the ability to apply it practically:
    • The learner will show an understanding of the principle by explaining the procedure used to apply it.
    • Words such as list the steps, put in order, flow chart, will be used to describe the student's performance.
    • Example: explain the dispatcher procedures for handling an aircraft experiencing icing.
  4. Denotes a thorough knowledge of the subject and the ability to apply it with speed and accuracy:
    • The student will be able to apply procedures to a problem efficiently and accurately.
    • Verbs such as select, distinguish, demonstrate, will be used to describe the student's performance.
    • Example: Given a variety of conditions select an appropriate route of flight for a defined aircraft.
  5. Denotes extensive knowledge of the subject and the ability to apply procedures derived from it with judgment in light of the circumstances:
    • Given a problem with a variety of different solutions the learner will select and apply the most efficient procedures to handle the problem.
    • Verbs such as analyze, demonstrate, manipulate, assemble will be used to describe the student's performance.
    • Example: Given an observed weather condition on an aircraft's performance the student will quickly and accurately amend the take off data for the aircraft.

Note: Times stated (time 8 - 10 hrs.) is a suggested minimum to maximum required for study and is for general guidance only.

Section 1: Air Law and Procedures (time 8:30-13:00)

Some Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) refer to their associated standards. Questions from the CARs may test knowledge from the regulation or the standard.

S and RG Subject
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
1.1 Part I - General Provisions
1.1.1 101 - Definition
.1 101.01 Definitions
1.1.2 103 - Administration and Compliance
.1 103.02 Inspection of Aircraft, Requests for Production of Documents and Prohibitions
.2 103.03 Return of Canadian Aviation Documents
.3 103.04 Record Keeping
1.2 Part III - Aerodromes and Airports
1.2.1 300 - Interpretation
.1 300.01 Interpretation
1.2.2 301 - Aerodromes
.1 301.01 Application
.2 301.04 Markers and Markings
.3 301.06 Wind Direction Indicator
.4 301.07 Lighting
.5 301.08 Prohibitions
.6 301.09 Fire Prevention
1.2.3 302 - Airports
.1 302.10 Prohibitions
.2 302.11 Fire Prevention
1.4 Part VI - General Operating and Flight Rules
1.4.1 600 - Interpretation
.1 600.01 Interpretation
1.4.2 601 - Airspace Structure, Classification and Use
.1 601.01 Airspace Structure
.2 601.02 Airspace Classification
.3 601.03 Transponder Airspace
.4 601.04 IFR or VFR Flight in Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace or Class F Special Use Advisory Airspace
.5 601.05 IFR Flight in Class A, B, C, D or E Airspace or Class F Special Use Restricted or Advisory Controlled Airspace
.6 601.06 VFR Flight in Class A Airspace
.7 601.07 VFR Flight in Class B Airspace
.8 601.08 VFR Flight in Class C Airspace
.9 601.09 VFR Flight in Class D Airspace
.10 601.14 Interpretation
.11 601.15 Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions
.12 601.16 Issuance of NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions
.13 601.17 Exceptions
1.4.3 602 - Operating and Flight Rules
  General
.1 602.01 Reckless or Negligent Operation of Aircraft
.2 602.02 Fitness of Flight Crew Members
.3 602.03 Alcohol or Drugs - Crew Members
.4 602.04 Alcohol or Drugs - Passengers
.5 602.06 Smoking
.6 602.07 Aircraft Operating Limitations
.7 602.08 Portable Electronic Devices
.8 602.09 Fueling with Engines Running
.9 602.10 Starting and Ground Running of Aircraft Engine
.10 602.11 Aircraft Icing
.11 602.12 Overflight of Built-up Areas or Open-Air Assemblies of Persons during Take-offs, Approaches and Landings
.12 602.13 Take-offs, Approaches and Landings within Built-up Areas of Cities and Towns
.13 602.14 Minimum Altitudes and Distances
.14 602.15 Permissible Low Altitude Flight
.15 602.17 Carriage of Persons during Low Altitude Flight
.16 602.19 Right-of-Way - General
.17 602.20 Right-of-Way - Aircraft Manoeuvering on Water
.18 602.21 Avoidance of Collision
.19 602.22 Towing
.20 602.23 Dropping of Objects
.21 602.24 Formation Flight
.22 602.25 Entering or Leaving an Aircraft in Flight
.23 602.26 Parachute Descents
.24 602.27 Aerobatic Maneuvers - Prohibited Areas and Flight Conditions
.25 602.28 Aerobatic Maneuvers with Passengers
.26 602.30 Fuel Dumping
.27 602.31 Compliance with Air Traffic Control Instructions and Clearances
.28 602.32 Airspeed Limitations
.29 602.33 Supersonic Flight
.30 602.34 Cruising Altitudes and Cruising Flight Levels
.31 602.35 Altimeter Setting and Operating Procedures in the Altimeter-Setting Region
.32 602.36 Altimeter setting and Operating Procedures in the Standard Pressure Region
.33 602.37 Altimeter setting and Operating Procedures in Transition between Regions
.34 602.38 Flight over the High Seas
.35 602.39 Transoceanic Flight
.36 602.40 Landing at or Take-off from an Aerodrome at Night
  Operational and Emergency Equipment Requirements
.37 602.58 Prohibition
.38 602.59 Equipment Standards
.39 602.60 Requirements for Power-driven Aircraft
.40 602.61 Survival Equipment - Flights Over Land
.41 602.62 Life Preservers and Flotation Devices
.42 602.63 Life Rafts and Survival Equipment - Flights over Water
  Flight Preparation, Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries
.43 602.70 Interpretation
.44 602.71 Pre-flight Information
.45 602.72 Weather Information
.46 602.73 Requirement to File a Flight Plan or a Flight Itinerary
.47 602.74 Contents of a Flight Plan or Flight Itinerary
.48 602.75 Filing of a Flight Plan or Flight Itinerary
.49 602.76 Changes in the Flight Plan
.50 602.77 Requirement to File an Arrival Report
.51 602.78 Contents of an Arrival Report
.52 602.79 Overdue Aircraft Report
.53 602.86 Carry-on Baggage, Equipment and Cargo
.54 602.87 Crew Member Instructions
.55 602.88 Fuel Requirements
.56 602.89 Passenger Briefings
  Operations at or in the Vicinity of an Aerodrome
.57 602.96 General
.58 602.97 VFR and IFR Aircraft Operations at Uncontrolled Aerodromes within an MF Area
.59 602.98 General MF Reporting Requirements
.60 602.99 MF Reporting Procedures before Entering  Maneuvering Area
.61 602.100 MF Reporting Procedures on Departure
.62 602.101 MF Reporting Procedures on Arrival
.63 602.102 MF Reporting Procedures When Flying Continuous Circuits
.64 602.103 Reporting Procedures When Flying Through an MF Area
.65 602.104 Reporting Procedures for IFR Aircraft When Approaching or Landing at an Uncontrolled Aerodrome
.66 602.105 Noise Operating Criteria
.67 602.106 Noise-Restricted Runways
  Visual Flight Rules
.68 602.114 Minimum Visual Meteorological Conditions for VFR Flight in Controlled Airspace
.69 602.115 Minimum Visual Meteorological Conditions for VFR Flight in Uncontrolled Airspace
.70 602.116 VFR Over-the-Top
.71 602.117 Special VFR Flight
  INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES
.72 602.121 General Requirements
.73 602.122 Alternate Aerodrome Requirements
.74 602.123 Alternate Aerodrome Weather
.75 602.124 Minimum Altitudes to Ensure Obstacle Clearance
.76 602.125 Enroute IFR Position Reports
.77 602.126 Take-off Minima
.78 602.127 Instrument Approaches
.79 602.128 Landing Minima
.80 602.129 Approach Ban - General
.81 602.130 Approach Ban - Cat III
  Radiocommunications
.82 602.136 Continuous Listening Watch
.83 602.137 Two-way Radio communication Failure in IFR Flight
.84 602.138 Two-way Radio communication Failure in VFR Flight
  Emergency Communication and Security
.85 602.143 Emergency Radio Frequency Capability
.86 602.144 Interception Signals, Interception of Aircraft and Instructions to Land
.87 602.145 ADIZ
.88 602.146 ESCAT (SCATANA) Plan
1.4.4 604 - Private Operator Passenger Transportation
  General
.1 604.01 Application
  Flight Operations
.2 604.10 Checklist
.3 604.11 Operational Flight Data Sheet
.4 604.12 VFR Flight Minimum Flight Visibility - Uncontrolled Airspace
.5 604.13 No Alternate Aerodrome - IFR Flight
.6 604.14 Take-off Minima
.7 604.15 Instrument Approach Procedures
.8 604.16 Flight Attendant Requirement
.9 604.17 Cabin Safety Procedures
.10 604.18 Briefing of Passengers
  Flight Time and Flight Duty Time Limitations and Rest Periods
.11 604.26 Flight Time Limitations
.12 604.27 Flight Duty Time Limitations and Rest Periods
.13 604.28 Split Flight Duty Time
.14 604.29 Extension of Flight Duty Time
.15 604.30 Unforeseen Operational Circumstances
.16 604.31 Delayed Reporting Time
.17 604.32 Requirements for Time Free from Duty
.18 604.33 Flight Crew Positioning
  Emergency Equipment
.19 604.38 Survival Equipment
.20 604.39 First Aid Kits
.21 604.40 Protective Breathing Equipment
.22 604.41 Hand-held Fire Extinguishers
  Personnel Requirements
.23 604.65 Designation of Pilot-in-command and Second-in-command
.24 604.66 Crew Member Qualifications
.25 604.68 Validity Period
.26 604.73 Training Program
  Manuals
.27 604.80 Requirements Relating to Operations Manual
.28 604.81 Contents of Operations Manual
.29 604.82 Distribution of Operations Manual
.30 604.83 Aircraft Operating Manual
.31 604.84 Standard Operating Procedures
1.4.5 605 - Aircraft Requirements
  General
.1 605.03 Flight Authority
.2 605.04 Availability of Aircraft Flight Manual
.3 605.05 Markings and Placards
.4 605.06 Aircraft Equipment Standards and Serviceability
.5 605.07 Minimum Equipment Lists
.6 605.08 Unserviceable and Removed Equipment - General
.7 605.09 Unserviceable and Removed Equipment - Aircraft with a Minimum Equipment List
.8 605.10 Unserviceable and Removed Equipment - Aircraft without a Minimum Equipment List
  Aircraft Equipment Requirements
.9 605.14 Power-driven Aircraft - Day VFR
.10 605.15 Power-driven Aircraft - VFR OTT
.11 605.16 Power-driven Aircraft - Night VFR
.12 605.17 Use of Position and Anti-collision Lights
.13 605.22 Seat and Safety-Belt Requirements
.14 605.23 Restraint System Requirements
.15 605.24 Shoulder Harness Requirements
.16 605.25 General Use of Safety Belts and Restraints System
.17 605.26 Use of Passenger Safety Belts and Restraint Systems
.18 605.27 Use of Crew Member Safety Belts
.19 605.28 Child Restraint System
.20 605.29 Flight Control Locks
.21 605.30 De-icing or Anti-icing Equipment
.22 605.31 Oxygen Equipment and Supply
.23 605.32 Use of Oxygen
.24 605.33 Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Requirements
.25 605.34 Use of Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders
.26 605.35 Transponder and Automatic Pressure-Altitude Reporting Equipment
.27 605.36 Altitude Alerting System or Device
.28 605.37 Ground Proximity Warning System
.29 605.38 ELT
.30 605.39 Use of ELTs
.31 605.40 ELT Activation
.32 605.41 Standby Attitude Indicator
.33 605.84 Aircraft Maintenance - General
.34 605.85 Maintenance Release and Elementary Work
.35 605.86 Maintenance Schedule
.36 605.87 Transfer of Aeronautical Products Between Maintenance Schedules
.37 605.88 Inspection after Abnormal Occurrences
  Technical Record
.38 605.93 Technical Records - General
.39 605.94 Journey Log Requirements
.40 605.95 Journey Log - Carrying on Board
.41 605.96 Requirements for Technical Records Other Than the Journey Log
.42 605.97 Transfer of Records
1.5 Part VII - Commercial Air Services
1.5.1 700 - Commercial Air Services
  General
.1 700.01 Definitions
  Flight Time and Flight Duty Time Limitations and Rest Periods
.2 700.15 Flight Time Limitations
.3 700.16 Flight Duty Time Limitations and Rest Periods
.4 700.17 Unforeseen Operational Circumstances
.5 700.18 Delayed Reporting Time
.6 700.19 Requirements for Time Free from Duty
.7 700.20 Flight Crew Positioning
.8 700.21 Flight Crew Members on Reserve
.9 700.22 Long Range Flights
.10 700.23 Controlled Rest on the Flight Deck
1.5.4 704 - Commuter Operations
  General
.1 704.01 Application
  Flight Operations
.2 704.12 Operating Instructions
.3 704.13 General Operational Information
.4 704.16 Flight Authorization
.5 704.17 Operational Flight Plan
.6 704.19 Checklist
.7 704.20 Fuel Requirements
.8 704.22 Simulations of Emergency Situations
.9 704.23 VFR Flight Obstacle Clearance Requirements
.10 704.24 VFR Flight Minimum Flight Visibility - Uncontrolled Airspace
.11 704.25 VFR Flight Weather Conditions
.12 704.26 Take-off Minima
.13 704.27 No Alternate Aerodrome - IFR Flight
.14 704.29 Routes in Uncontrolled Airspace
.15 704.30 Instrument Approach Procedures
.16 704.32 Weight and Balance Control
.17 704.33 Apron and Cabin Safety Procedures
.18 704.34 Briefing of Passengers
  Aircraft Performance Operation Limitations
.19 704.46 Take-off Weight Limitations
.20 704.47 Net Take-Off Flight Path
.21 704.48 Enroute Limitations with One Engine Inoperative
.22 704.49 Dispatch Limitations: Landing at Destination and Alternate Aerodromes
.23 704.50 Dispatch Limitations: Wet Runway - Turbo-jet-powered Aeroplanes
  Aircraft Equipment Requirements
.24 704.62 General Requirements
.25 704.63 Operation of Aircraft in Icing Conditions
.26 704.64 Airborne Thunderstorm Detection and Weather Radar Equipment
.27 704.65 Additional Equipment for Single-Pilot Operations
.28 704.66 Protective Breathing Equipment
.29 704.67 First Aid Oxygen
.30 704.68 Shoulder Harness
  Emergency Equipment
.31 704.83 Hand-Held Fire Extinguisher
.32 704.84 Equipment Standards and Inspection
  Personnel Requirements
.33 704.106 Minimum Crew
.34 704.107 Designation of Pilot-in-command and Second-in-command
.35 704.108 Flight Crew Member Qualifications
.36 704.111 Validity Period
  Manuals
.37 704.122 Distribution of Company Operations Manual
.38 704.123 Aircraft Operating Manual
.39 704.124 Standard Operating Procedures
1.5.5 705 -  Airline Operation
  General
.1 705.01 Application
  Flight Operations
.2 705.16 Exceptions
.3 705.20 Operational Control System
.4 705.21 Flight Authorization
.5 705.22 Operational Flight Plan
.6 705.23 Maintenance of Aircraft
.7 705.24 Checklist
.8 705.25 Fuel Requirements
.9 705.26 Extended Range Twin-engined Operations
.10 705.27 Admission to the Flight Deck
.11 705.28 Seats for Cabin Safety Inspectors
.12 705.29 Flight Crew Members at Controls
.13 705.30 Simulation of Emergency Situations
.14 705.31 Crew Member Briefing
.15 705.32 VFR Flight Obstacle Clearance Requirements
.16 705.33 VFR Flight Weather Conditions
.17 705.34 Take-off Minima
.18 705.35 No Alternate Aerodrome - IFR Flight
.19 705.37 Routes in Uncontrolled Airspace
.20 705.38 Instrument Approach Procedures
.21 705.39 Weight and Balance Control
.22 705.40 Passenger and Cabin Safety Procedures
.23 705.42 Carry-on Baggage
.24 705.43 Briefing of Passengers
  Aircraft Performance Operating Limitations
.25 705.55 General Requirements
.26 705.56 Take-off Weight Requirements
.27 705.57 Net Take-off Flight Path
.28 705.58 Enroute Limitations with One Engine Operative
.29 705.59 Enroute Limitations with Two Engines Inoperative
.30 705.60 Dispatch Limitations: Landing at Destination and Alternate Aerodromes
.31 705.61 Dispatch Limitations: Wet Runway - Turbo-jet-Powered Aeroplanes
  Aircraft Equipment Requirements
.32 705.67 General Requirements
.33 705.68 Landing Lights
.34 705.69 Operation of Aircraft in Icing Conditions
.35 705.70 Weather Radar Equipment
.36 705.71 Protective Breathing Equipment
.37 705.72 First Aid Oxygen
.38 705.73 Interphone System
.39 705.74 Public Address System
.40 705.75 Crew Member Shoulder Harness
.41 705.76 Lavatory Fire Protection
.42 705.78 Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Markings
.43 705.79 Flashlight Stowage
  Emergency Equipment
.44 705.89 Megaphones
.45 705.90 First Aid Kits
.46 705.91 Emergency Medical Kit
.47 705.92 Crash Axe
.48 705.93 Hand-held Fire Extinguishers
.49 705.94 Portable Oxygen
  Personnel Requirements
.50 705.103 Designation of Pilot-in-command and Second-in-command
.51 705.104 Flight Attendant Requirements
.52 705.106 Pilot Qualifications
.53 705.107 Flight Engineer and Second Officer Qualifications
.54 705.108 Crew Pairing
.55 705.111 Route and Aerodrome Qualifications
.56 705.113 Validity Period
  Manuals
.57 705.136 Distribution of Company Operations Manual
.58 705.137 Aircraft Operating Manual
.59 705.138 Standard Operating Procedures

1.6 NOTAM (proficiency level 5)

1.7 A.I.P. Canada (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 A.I.P. Canada
  • .2 A.I.P. Supplements
  • .3 Aeronautical Information Circulars
  • .4 Aviation Notices
  • .5 AIRAC Canada
  • .6 CAP
  • .7 CFS

1.8 Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) - A.I.P. Canada, GEN 3.0 (proficiency level 2)

1.9 Air Traffic Services and Procedures (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Air Traffic and Advisory Services
  • .2 Flight Service Stations
  • .3 Communications Procedures
  • .4 Radar Service
  • .5 ATC Clearances and Instructions
  • .6 ESCAT Plan (formerly SCATANA)
  • .7 Wake Turbulence Separation
  • .8 Airport/Aerodrome Operations - Uncontrolled
  • .9 Airport/Aerodrome Operations - Controlled
  • .10 Mandatory and Aerodrome Traffic Frequencies
  • .11 VFR En Route Procedures
  • .12 VFR Holding Procedures
  • .13 Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)
  • .14 Clearway/Stopway

1.10 Operations in High Level Domestic Airspace (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 Altimeter Setting Procedures
  • .2 Cruising Altitudes
  • .3 Mach Number/TAS Changes
  • .4 High Level Holding Procedures
  • .5 Profile Descent
  • .6 Leaving or Entering Uncontrolled Airspace
  • .7 Uncontrolled Airspace Procedures

1.11 Canadian Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (CMNPS) Airspace (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 General
  • .2 Partial or Complete Loss of Navigation Capability
  • .3 Position Reporting

1.12 Canadian Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (CMNPS) Certification (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 General
  • .2 Certification
  • .3 Navigation System Requirements
  • .4 Transition Between CMNPS Airspace and the Canadian Domestic Airway Structure
  • .5 Separation Minima

1.13 ATC Special Procedures (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Adherence to Mach Number
  • .2 Parallel and Offset Procedures
  • .3 Structured Airspace
  • .4 Required Navigation Performance Capability Airspace (RNPC)
  • .5 Canadian Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications Airspace (CMNPS)
  • .6 Canadian Domestic Routes
  • .7 Canadian Track Structures
  • .8 Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS)
  • .9 Declaring and Emergency

1.14 NORTH ATLANTIC OPERATIONS (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 General Aviation Aircraft
  • .2 North American Routes (NAR)
  • .3 NAT Organized Track System
  • .4 Flight Rules and Flight Planning Procedures
  • .5 Clearances, Position Reports, Communications Failure
  • .6 Transponder Operation

1.15 RVSM (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 General
  • .2 RVSM Airspace
  • .3 RVSM Transition Airspace
  • .4 Air Traffic Control (ATC) Procedures
  • .5 Aircraft Requirements

Section 2: Airframes, Engines, Propellers and Aircraft Systems (time 14:00-24:00)

2.1 Airframes (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Flight Controls
  • .2 Flaps
  • .3 Slots/Slats
  • .4 Spoilers
  • .5 Wing Fences
  • .6 Winglets
  • .7 Canards
  • .8 Vortex Generators
  • .9 Trimming Devices

2.2 Engines (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Principles of Reciprocating Engines
  • .2 Handling Procedures for Reciprocating Engines
  • .3 Principles of Turbo-prop Engines
  • .4 Handling Procedures for Turbo-prop Engines
  • .5 Principles of Turbo-jet Engines
  • .6 Handling and Procedures for Turbo-jet Engines
  • .7 Engine Controls

2.3 Propellers (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Propeller Thrust and Torque
  • .2 Geometric and Effective Pitch
  • .3 Slipstream, Gyroscopic Effect and Asymmetric Thrust
  • .4 Controls
  • .5 Ground and Flight Range
  • .6 Constant Speed
  • .7 Feathering
  • .8 Reversing

2.4 Aircraft Systems (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 Fuel
  • .2 Oil
  • .3 Electrical
  • .4 Hydraulic
  • .5 Pneumatic
  • .6 Warning (e.g. Ice, Fire, GPWS and Altitude Alert)
  • .7 Fire Protection
  • .8 Heating
  • .9 De-icing and Anti-icing
  • .10 Oxygen
  • .11 Air Conditioning
  • .12 Pressurization
  • .13 Landing Gear and Brakes
  • .14 Autopilot
  • .15 Avionics
  • .16 Flight Controls
  • .17 Fuel Systems

Section 3: Meteorology (time 60:00-90:00)

(proficiency level 5 for all items in section 3)

3.1 The Earth’s Atmosphere

  • .1 Properties
  • .2 Vertical Structure
  • .3 ICAO Standard Atmosphere

3.2 Atmospheric Pressure

  • .1 Pressure Measurements
  • .2 Station Pressure
  • .3 Mean Sea Level Pressure
  • .4 Pressure Systems and Their Variations
  • .5 Effects of Temperature
  • .6 Horizontal Pressure Differences

3.3 Meteorological Aspects of Altimetry

  • .1 Pressure Altitude
  • .2 Density Altitude
  • .3 True Altitude
  • .4 Altimeter Setting
  • .5 Effects of both Pressure and Temperature

3.4 Temperature

  • .1 Heating and Cooling of the Atmosphere - Convection/ Advection/Radiation
  • .2 Horizontal Differences
  • .3 Temperature Variations with Altitude
  • .4 Inversions
  • .5 Isothermal Layers

3.5 Moisture

  • .1 Relative Humidity/Dewpoint
  • .2 Sublimation/Condensation
  • .3 Cloud Formation
  • .4 Precipitation
  • .5 Saturated/Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rates

3.6 Stability and Instability

  • .1 Lapse Rate and Stability
  • .2 Modification of Stability
  • .3 Characteristics of Stable/ Unstable Air
  • .4 Surface Heating and Cooling
  • .5 Lifting Process
  • .6 Subsidence/Convergence

3.7 Clouds

  • .1 Classification
  • .2 Formation
  • .3 Types and Recognition
  • .4 Associated Precipitation and Turbulence

3.8 Turbulence

  • .1 Convection
  • .2 Mechanical
  • .3 Orographic
  • .4 Clear Air Turbulence
  • .5 VIRGA - Evaporation Cooling
  • .6 Reporting Criteria
  • .7 Mountain Waves

3.9 Wind

  • .1 Pressure Gradient
  • .2 Deflection Caused by the Earth’s Rotation
  • .3 Low Level Winds - Variation in Surface Wind
  • .4 Friction
  • .5 Centrifugal Force
  • .6 Veer and Back
  • .7 Squalls and Gusts
  • .8 Diurnal Effects
  • .9 Land and Sea Breezes
  • .10 Katabatic/Anabatic Effects
  • .11 Topographical Effects
  • .12 Wind Shear, Types and Causes

3.10 Jet Streams

  • .1 Frontal Jet Streams
  • .2 Wind Distribution/Location
  • .3 Temperature Distribution
  • .4 Seasonal Variations in Latitude and Speed
  • .5 Arctic Stratospheric Jets
  • .6 Subtropical Jet Streams
  • .7 Turbulence

3.11 Air Masses

  • .1 Definition and Characteristics
  • .2 Formation
  • .3 Classification
  • .4 Modification
  • .5 Factors that Determine Weather
  • .6 Seasonal and Geographic Effects
  • .7 Air Masses Affecting North America

3.12 Fronts

  • .1 Structure
  • .2 Types
  • .3 Formation
  • .4 Cross-sections
  • .5 Discontinuities Across Fronts
  • .6 Frontal Waves and Occlusions
  • .7 Frontogenesis and Frontolysis

3.13 Frontal Weather

  • .1 Warm Front
  • .2 Cold Front
  • .3 Stationary Front
  • .4 TROWAL and Upper Fronts

3.14 Aircraft Icing

  • .1 Formation
  • .2 Type of Ice
  • .3 Reporting Criteria
  • .4 Cloud Types and Icing
  • .5 Freezing Rain and Drizzle
  • .6 Icing in Clear Air (Hoar Frost)
  • .7 Collection Efficiency
  • .8 Aerodynamic Heating

3.15 Thunderstorms

  • .1 Requirements for Development
  • .2 Life Cycle
  • .3 Classification - Air Mass, Frontal, Squall Line, Convective, Orographic and Nocturnal
  • .4 Tornadoes and Hurricanes
  • .5 Hazards - Turbulence, Hail, Rain, Icing, Altimetry, Lightning, Gust Fronts, Downbursts and Microbursts

3.16 Surface Based Layers

  • .1 Fog Formation
  • .2 Fog Types
  • .3 Haze and Smoke
  • .4 Blowing Obstructions to Vision

3.17 Meteorological Services Available to Dispatchers

  • 1 Aviation Weather Briefing Service (AWBS)
  • 2 Aviation Weather Information Service (AWIS)
  • 3 Flight Service Stations (FSS)
  • 4 Weather Broadcasts by Flight Service Stations
  • 5 Atmospheric Environment Service Weather Briefing
  • 6 Transcribed Weather Broadcasts (TWB)
  • 7 DUATS - Commercial Weather Service
  • 8 Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATS)
  • 9 VOLMET (HF) Broadcast
  • 10 Pilots Automatic Telephone Reporting Criteria, Cloud Types and Icing Weather Answering Service(PATWAS)

3.18 Aviation Weather Reports

  • 1 Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)
  • 2 SPECI
  • 3 Decoding
  • 4 AWOS
  • 5 Pilot Reports (PIREP/AIREP)

3.19 Aviation Forecasts

  • 1 Times Issued/Validity Periods
  • 2 Decoding
  • 3 Graphical Area Forecasts (GFA)/AIRMET
  • 4 Terminal Area Forecasts (TAF)
  • 5 Upper Level Winds and Temperature Forecasts (FD)
  • 6 Significant In-flight Weather Warning Message (SIGMET)

3.20 Weather Maps and Prognostic Charts

  • 1 Times Issued/Validity Periods
  • 2 Symbols/Decoding
  • 3 Surface Weather Map
  • 4 Prognostic Surface Chart
  • 5 Upper Level Charts - ANAL (850mb, 700mb, 500mb & 250mb)
  • 6 Upper Level Charts - PROG (FL240, FL340, FL450)
  • 7 Significant Weather Prognostic Chart FL100-250 (700-400mb) & FL250-600 (400-100mb)

Section 4: Instruments (time 6:00-12:00)

Section 4: Instruments

4.1 Flight Instruments - Principles and Operational Use (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Pitot Static System
  • .2 Airspeed Indicator
  • .3 Machmeter
  • .4 Altimeter and Encoding Altimeter
  • .5 Radio/Radar Altimeter
  • .6 Outside Air Temperature
  • .7 Turn-and-bank Indicator/Turn Co-ordinator
  • .8 Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)
  • .9 Heading Indicator
  • .10 Attitude Indicator (AI)
  • .11 Flight Director
  • .12 Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI)
  • .13 Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)
  • .14 Angle of Attack Indicator

4.2 Flight Management Instruments (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Flight Management System (FMS)
  • .2 Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)

4.3 Engine Instruments - Principles and Use (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Tachometer
  • .2 Manifold Pressure
  • .3 Oil Pressure
  • .4 Oil Temperature
  • .5 Exhaust Gas Temperature
  • .6 Cylinder Head Temperature
  • .7 Carburetor Air Temperature
  • .8 Intake Air Temperature
  • .9 Fuel Pressure
  • .10 Fuel Flow
  • .11 Torquemeter
  • .12 Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR)
  • .13 Turbine Temperature (ITT/TIT)

4.4 Aircraft Compass Systems (proficiency level 2)

  • .1 Construction
  • .2 Use
  • .3 Limitations and Faults
  • .4 Gyromagnetic Remote Indicating Compass

Section 5: Navigation - General (time 6:00-12:00)

5.1 Navigation Terms (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 Air Position
  • .2 Great Circle
  • .3 Rhumb Line
  • .4 Greenwich Hour Angle

5.2 Maps and Charts (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Lambert Conformal
  • .2 Transverse Mercator
  • .3 Enroute Low and High Altitude Charts

5.3 Time And Longitude (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Time Zones and Relation to Longitude

5.4 Flight Planning Calculations and Forms (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Heading and True Airspeed
  • .2 Wind and Windspeed
  • .3 IAS-CAS-EAS-TAS
  • .4 Track and Groundspeed
  • .5 Mach
  • .6 Time
  • .7 Weight and Balance
  • .8 Flight Planned Fuel Requirements
  • .9 Fuel Load/Zero Fuel Weight
  • .10 Pay Load/Weight Shift
  • .11 Critical Point (CP)
  • .12 Equal Time Point (ETP)
  • .13 Flight Plans
  • .14 Flight Itinerary
  • .15 ICAO Flight Plan
  • .16 ETOPS

5.5 Computerized Flight Plans (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Decode .2 Analysis and Interpolation

5.6 En Route Navigation (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Use of Aeronautical Charts
  • .2 Calculation of Heading and Groundspeed
  • .3 Use of Radio Aids to Determine Position and Transferring Position Lines
  • .4 Gyro Steering Techniques in Areas of Compass Unreliability
  • .5 Maintaining Flight Log (Air Position)
  • .6 Determination of Wind Velocity

Section 6: Radio Communications and Aids to Navigation - Basic Principles and Use (time 8:00-16:00)

6.1 Radio (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Elementary Theory
  • .2 Wave Length and Frequency
  • .3 Frequency Bands Used in Communication and Navigation
  • .4 Characteristics of Low, High and Very High Frequency Radio Waves
  • .5 Ground Waves and Sky Waves
  • .6 Skip Distance
  • .7 Reflection and Refraction
  • .8 Night Effect

6.2 Aircraft Radio Transceivers (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 VHF
  • .2 HF
  • .3 DATALINK

6.3 Selective Call System (SELCAL) (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 VHF
  • .2 HF

6.4 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) (proficiency level 2)

  • .1 Requirements
  • .2 Testing
  • .3 Flight Planning
  • .4 Accidental Transmission
  • .5 Pilot Response to Signals
  • .6 Downed Aircraft Procedures

6.5 Radar (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Elementary Theory
  • .2 Primary Returns
  • .3 Secondary Returns
  • .4 Weather Radar

6.6 Navigation Systems (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
  • .2 VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)
  • .3 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
  • .4 Co-located VOR and TACAN (VORTAC)
  • .5 Long Range Area Navigation (LORAN C)
  • .6 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS - GPS)
  • .7 Very High Frequency Direction Finding (VHF - DF)
  • .8 Area Navigation System (RNAV)
  • .9 Inertial Navigation System (INS)

6.7 Approach Aids (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 Instrument Landing System (ILS)
  • .2 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS - GPS)
  • .3 Surveillance Radar (ASR & AASR)
  • .4 Precision Approach Radar (PAR)
  • .5 Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)
  • .6 VASIS/PAPI

6.8 Transponders (proficiency level 4)

6.9 ACAS/TCAS

Section 7: Flight Operations (time 8-12 hrs)

7.1 Atmospheric Effects in Flight (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 ICAO Standard Atmosphere
  • .2 Temperature and Pressure/Air Density
  • .3 Humidity/Rain
  • .4 Cold Temperature Corrections

7.2 Performance (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Indicated and True Stalling Speeds
  • .2 Slow Speed Flight Characteristics - Turbo-prop - Turbo-jet
  • 3. High Speed Flight Characteristic - Turbo-prop - Turbo-jet
  • 4. Relationship of Speed to Angle of Attack
  • .5 Cruising for Range/Endurance
  • .6 Flight Performance “V” Speeds - Definition and Use
  • .7 Weight and Balance - Load Adjustment
  • .8 Effect of Changes in Weight and Load Distribution
  • .9 Hydroplaning
  • .10 Wind Shear - Effects and Avoidance
  • .11 Landing Techniques
  • .12 Selection of Alternates

7.3 Charts and Graphs (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Weight and Balance
  • .2 Take-off
  • .3 Climb
  • .4 Cruise
  • .5 Buffet Boundary
  • .6 Descent
  • .7 Landing
  • .8 Crosswind
  • .9 Weight, Altitude, Temperature (WAT), Takeoff/Landing Performance Charts

7.4 Critical Surface Contamination (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Clean Aircraft Concept - Practices and Techniques
  • .2 Frozen Contaminants Including Cold-Soaking Phenomenon
  • .3 De-icing and Anti-icing Fluids
  • .4 De-icing and Anti-icing Procedures
  • .5 Variables that Can Influence Holdover Time
  • .6 Critical Surface Inspections
  • .7 Pre-take-off Inspection
  • .8 Health Affects
  • .9 Application Guideline Tables

7.5 Wake Turbulence (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Causes and Effects
  • .2 Avoidance Procedures
  • .3 Separation Criteria and Waiver

7.6 Flight Manual (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Approved Information

7.7 Volcanic Ash (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Hazards

7.8 Airmanship/Rules of Thumb (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 General

Section 8: Theory of Flight (time 4-10 hrs)

8.1 Forces Acting on an Aeroplane (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 Load Factor
  • .2 Relationship of Weight and Load Factor to Stalling
  • .3 Gust Loads
  • .4 Stability
  • .5 Lift/Weight/Thrust/Drag

8.2 Wing Design (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Wing Tip Vortices
  • .2 Sweepback
  • .3 Leading and Trailing Edge Flaps
  • .4 Winglets
  • .5 Canards
  • .6 Vortex Generators
  • .7 Wing Fences
  • .8 Spoilers

Section 9: Human Factors (time 4-12 hrs)

9.1 Aviation Physiology (proficiency level 3)

  • .1 Hypoxia/Hyperventilation
  • .2 Gas Expansion Effects
  • .3 Decompression (Including SCUBA Diving)
  • .4 Vision/Visual Scanning Techniques
  • .5 Hearing
  • .6 Orientation/Disorientation (Including Visual and Vestibular Illusions)
  • .7 Positive and Negative “G”
  • .8 Circadian Rhythms/Jet Lag
  • .9 Sleep/Fatigue

9.2 The Operating Environment (proficiency level 1)

  • .1 Personal Health Exercise/Fitness
  • .2 Obesity/Diet/Nutrition
  • .3 Medications (Prescribed and Over-the-counter)
  • .4 Substance Abuse (Alcohol and Drugs)
  • .5 Pregnancy
  • .6 Heat/Cold
  • .7 Noise/Vibration
  • .8 Effects of Smoking
  • .9 Toxic Hazards (Including Carbon Monoxide)

9.3 Aviation Psychology (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 The Decision-Making Process
  • .2 Factors That Influence Decision-Making
  • .3 Situational Awareness
  • .4 Stress
  • .5 Managing Risk
  • .6 Attitudes
  • .7 Workload (Attention and Information Processing)

9.4 Pilot - Equipment / Materials Relationship (proficiency level 5)

  • .1 Controls and Displays - Errors in Interpretation and Control - Information Selection: e.g. “glass” cockpits
  • .2 Alerting and Warning Systems - Appropriate Selection and Set Up - False Indications - Distractions and Responses
  • .3 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • .4 Correct Use of Charts, Checklists and Manuals
  • .5 Cockpit Visibility and Eye Reference Position/Seat Position

9.5 Interpersonal Relations (proficiency level 4)

  • .1 Communications with Flight and Cabin Crew/Passengers/ Company Management/Flight Operations/Maintenance Personnel/Air Traffic Services
  • .2 Crew Problem Solving and Decision Making
  • .3 Crew Management/Small Group Dynamics
  • .4 Operating Pressures Family/ Peer Group/Employer

9.6 Crew-Dispatch Resource Management (CRM - DRM) (proficiency level 5)

Examination Results - Decoding

Candidates who write an examination will be informed of the Question topics they answered incorrectly by a series of numbers related to the sections and topics contained in this Guide. Questions relating to more than one topic are shown by a slash (/) separating the series of numbers (example 3). The method of decoding these numbers is explained by the examples below.

How to Decode

Example (1) 1.1.2.3
Section 1. Air Law and Procedures
Sub-section 1. CARs - Part 1 - General Provisions
Subpart 2. Administration and Compliance
Topic 3 Record Keeping
Example (2) 3.5.1
Section 3. Meteorology
Sub-section 5. Moisture
Topic 1 Relative Humidity/Dewpoint
Example (3) 3.9.12/7.2.10
Section 3. Meteorology
Sub-section 9. Wind
Topic 12 Wind Shear Types and Causes
Section 7. Flight Operations
Sub-section 2. Performance
Topic 10 Wind Shear - Effects and Avoidance

Tables and Charts

The following section contains examples of different tables and charts, which may be used on ATPL-A examinations.

Weight Shift Formula

Weight of Cargo Moved

Distance CG Moved

=

Weight of Aeroplane

Distance Between Arm Location

Weight & Balance Loading Data - 1 of 2

Weight & Balance Loading Data - 2 of 2

Take-Off Distance Graph

Take-Off Speeds V1, VR, V2

Take-Off Performance

Cruise Performance

Long Range Cruise

Specific Range

Buffet Onset Boundary

Sample Computer Flight Plan

POA - Point of Arrival
ALT - Alternate
HLD - Holding
RES - Reserve
TOT - Total
AV PLD - Average Payload
OPNLWT - Operational Weight

Note: Weight and balance calculation computed separately take precedence over these weight calculations.

CYAM ... SSM - CYAM Direct to SSM
YOW 314 YOW - 314° Radial to YOW
WIND P035 - Wind Push of 35 kts
FL330 - Flight Level 330
WPT - Waypoint
MTR - Magnetic Track
T - Temperature
TAS - True Airspeed
G/S - Ground Speed
DR - Drift
ZD - Zone (leg) Distance
DREM - Distance Remaining
ZT - Zone (leg) Time
CTR - Time Remaining
ZF - Zone (leg) Fuel
FREM - Fuel Remaining
AFR - Actual Fuel Remaining
ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival
CYAM - CYAM Latitude and longitude
FIRS - FIR Boundary Times
FPL-I - Instrument Flight Plan
TOC - Top of Climb
TOD - Top of Descent

Government of Canada Publications

TC Publications Order Desk
Chief, Operational Support Services
Transport Canada (AARA-MPS)
2655 Lancaster Road, Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5
Telephone: 1 888 830-4911 (toll-free in North America)
National Capital Region (NCR): 613-991-4071
Email: publications@tc.gc.ca
Facsimile: 613-991-1653

The following publications can be purchased from the above address. The fee is cost plus handling, and applicable mailing charges.

  1. Air Command Weather Manual (TP 9352E).
  2. Air Command Weather Manual (Supplement) (TP 9353E).
  3. Human Factors for Aviation - Basic Handbook (TP 12863E), and Advanced Handbook(TP 12864E).
  4. When in Doubt...Aircraft Critical Surface Contamination Training Videos.

Note: The three videos; Ground Crew, Small Aircraft, and Large Aircraft may be purchased individually or all three combined into a single video.

The accompanying booklets; When in Doubt. Small and Large Aircraft (TP 10643E), When in Doubt. Ground Crew (TP 10647), and Aircraft Critical Surface Contamination Examination Questions (TP 10615E) are available from the General Aviation web site: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications.

If you do not have access to the web, the booklets can be ordered from the above address for a nominal charge.

The publications listed below may be purchased from:

Canadian Government Publishing
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0S9
General Inquiries: (819) 956-4800 or 1-800-635-7943
Facsimile: (819) 994-1498 or 1-800-565-7757
Internet Address: http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/home.html

  1. Aeronautical Information Publication (A.I.P. Canada) (TP 2300E)
  2. Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

To find the nearest distributor of the publications listed below, contact:

NAV CANADA
Aeronautical Publications
Sales and Distribution Unit
P.O. Box 9840, Station T
Ottawa ON K1G 6S8
 
Telephone: 1-866-731-PUBS (7827)
Fax: 1-866-740-9992
E-mail: aeropubs@navcanada.ca

  1. VFR Navigation Charts (VNC)/VFR Terminal Area Charts (VTA)/World Aeronautical Charts (WAC)
  2. Canada Flight Supplement
  3. Enroute Low Altitude Charts

The Study Guide for the Radiotelephone Operator's Restricted Certificate (Aeronautical) is available free of charge from district offices of Industry Canada - Examinations and Radio Licensing.

Information on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods is available from Transport Canada, Safety and Security, Civil Aviation Directorate or Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate (Internet address: https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/transportation-dangerous-goods-regulations).

Information on Customs Requirements is available from the Canada Border Services Agency (Internet address: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/).

Information on the Canada Labour Code is available from Human Ressources Development Canada (Internet address: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/labour_law/index.shtml).

Additional Reference Material

Information on text books and other publications produced by commercial publishers can be obtained through local flying training organizations, bookstores and similar sources.

A variety of publications used in pilot training in the United States are available through the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. (internet address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/index.html).

Enquiries

Information as to the location of pilot training organizations and matters pertaining to flight crew licensing can be obtained by writing the appropriate Regional licensing personnel using the information given in the following list.

Pacific Region

Information and contact details for Pacific Region

Prairie and Northern Region

General Aviation
Transport Canada
Canada Place, 1100-9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4E6

Telephone: (780) 495-3869
Facsimile: (780) 495-7449

Regional Manager General Aviation
Transport Canada
344 Edmonton Street, 2nd Floor
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0P6

Telephone: (204) 983-4341
Facsimile: (204) 984-2069

Ontario Region

Regional Manager General Aviation
Transport Canada
4900 Yonge Street, Suite 300
Willowdale, Ontario M2N 6A5

Telephone: (416) 952-0215
Facsimile: (416) 952-0196

Quebec Region

Regional Manager General Aviation
Transport Canada
700 Leigh Capreol, Suite 2001
Dorval, Quebec H4Y 1G7

Telephone: (514) 633-3863
Facsimile: (514) 633-3585

Atlantic Region

Regional Manager General Aviation
Transport Canada
P.O. Box 42, 95 Foundry Street
Moncton, N.B. E1C 8K6

Telephone: 1-800-305-2059
Facsimile: 1-855-726-7495

These locations, and others offer flight crew examination service. A complete listing can be found on the internet site https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/flight-crew-licences-permits-ratings/flight-crew-examinations.

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