MART Vol. II MO/MP - NESA - Civil Air Patrol

Other information that may be written on the chart includes estimated times ofarrival (ETA) at each checkpoint and reminders like "check gas", "switch tanks", or"contact mission base". Crewmembers are likely to spend less time "fishing"about the cockpit trying to find information in flight if it is already written on thechart.5.8.1 Plotting the CourseLay the chart on a table or other flat surface, and draw a straight line fromyour point of departure to the destination (airport to airport). This can be donewith a plain ruler or, better, with a navigation plotter. Mark off the distance in 10 or20-mile intervals. Use a sharp pencil, making sure the line is straight and that itintersects the center of the airport symbol. Make a careful study of the interveningcountry and decide whether to fly direct or whether a detour may be desirable inorder to avoid flying over large bodies of water, mountains, or other hazardousterrain. Note whether landing fields are available enroute for refueling or use incase of an emergency. Using an appropriate groundspeed and the actualdistance to destination, estimate your time enroute. You should know the range(in fuel hours) of the aircraft you intend to fly. From this you can determinewhether or not you can make the flight without fueling stops. Be sure to allow atleast a one-hour reserve fuel supply.5.8.2 CheckpointsNow that you have established a definite course from departure todestination, study the terrain on the chart and choose suitable checkpoints.These can be distinctive patterns: railroad tracks or highways, sharp bends inrivers, racetracks, quarries, and small lakes. As your flight progresses, thecheckpoints will be used to maintain the correct course and to estimate thegroundspeed. Your checkpoints need not be on your direct line of flight, butshould be near enough to be easily seen. For this part of the preflight planning itis essential that you know the chart symbols (explained on the back of the chart)in order to recognize the many landmarks available as checkpoints.5.8.3 Enclosing the CourseThis consists of using an easily recognizable feature on the terrain that liesparallel to your course. It may serve as a guideline or bracket, and may be ariver, railroad track, or a prominent highway. The ideal arrangement would be tohave a continuous guideline on each side of the route five to 10 miles from theline of flight. It is seldom that two can be found, but one will usually servesatisfactorily. If you should temporarily lose your checkpoints, you can fly to thischosen guideline and reset course. Another landmark should be used as an endof-course check to prevent flying beyond your destination should you miss it oractually fly directly over it.5.8.4 True CourseHaving plotted your course and made an accurate listing of checkpoints andthe distances between them, measure the true course counting clockwise fromtrue north. Use the meridian (north-south) line approximately midway between92