A. Pre-Flight Planning.
When assigning the cross-country route, try to select a destination that will provide the candidate with
suitable terrain and sufficient enroute checkpoints. Normally the route should be in a direction that will
enable the candidate to use a suitable set heading procedure. When the candidate has completed calculations,
these should be verified for accuracy.
Unless the candidate encounters delays obtaining weather or other necessary information, preparation,
excluding weight and balance computations, should be completed within
45 minutes. If the cross-country flight is assigned in advance, the candidate may make preliminary
preparations such as initial route selection, map preparation, determination of headings, selection of
possible alternates and initial flight log entries prior to the flight test. In this case, the candidate
should, after obtaining weather information, complete all final preparation, including
weight and balance computations, within 45 minutes.
B. Departure Procedures.
The candidate will be assessed on his ability to manoeuvre the helicopter to set heading over a pre-selected
point. If due to operational requirements, such as vectors from ATC, the candidate is unable to start from over
the pre-selected set heading point, assessment should be based on the ability to adapt to the new circumstances
and the manner that the departure procedure is altered.
C. Enroute Procedures.
While proper selection of an assigned route should prevent this situation, the candidate should be allowed
more time after set heading to determine a track error, when suitable check points are sparse.
The candidate will inform the examiner of any information relevant to the exercise such as compass headings,
departure time, new compass headings, groundspeed checks, time over checkpoints and revised ETA. These can be
entered on a navigation log.
D. Divert to an Alternate.
The diversion should be carried out at 500 feet AGL or a minimum safe altitude, whichever is higher.
The selected destination should not require the candidate to over-fly populated areas enroute. Remember this
is not a test of pure navigational skills but is an assessment of ability to proceed to an alternate using
mental dead reckoning and natural geographic features, roads, railway etc., if they are available. Rules,
protractors, navigational aids and computers will not be used for this procedure.
With respect to the estimated time of arrival and the actual time of arrival at the alternate, no hard
numbers have been established in the criteria. Examiners may accept an estimated time of arrival for this
item that is reasonable, and which would ensure that the diversion could be conducted as planned.
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