7110.65R

4. Departure Airport.
5. Route of flight.
6. Destination.
7. Flight altitude(s).
8. ETD and ETE.
f. Prior to conducting a briefing, briefers are
required to have the background information listed
above so that they may tailor the briefing to the needs
of the proposed flight. The objective is to
communicate a "picture" of meteorological and
aeronautical information necessary for the conduct of
a safe and efficient flight. Briefers use all available
weather and aeronautical information to summarize
datpplicable to the proposed flight. Pilots who
have briefed themselves before calling Flight Service
should advise the briefer what information has been
obtained from other sources.
REFERENCE-
AIM, Paragraph 7-1-5, Preflight Briefings, contains those items of a
weather briefing that should be expected or requested.

g. FAA by 14 CFR Part 93, Subpart K, has
designated High Density Traffic Airports (HDTA)
and has prescribed air traffic rules and requirements
for operating aircraft (excluding helicopter operations) to and from these airports.
REFERENCE-
Chart Supplement U.S., Special Notices Section
AIM, Paragraph 4-1-21, Airport Reservation Operations and Special
Traffic Management Programs

h. In addition to the filing of a flight plan, if the
flight will traverse or land in one or more foreign
countries, it is particularly important that pilots leave
a complete itinerary with someone directly concerned
and keep that person advised of the flight"s progress.
If serious doubt arises as to the safety of the flight, that
person should first contact the FSS.
REFERENCE-
AIM, Paragraph 5-1-11, Flights Outside the U.S. and U.S. Territories

i. Pilots operating under provisions of 14 CFR
Part 135 on a domestic flight without having an FAA
assigned 3-letter designator, must prefix the normal
registration (N) number with the letter "T" on flight
plan filing; for example, TN1234B.
REFERENCE-
AIM, Paragraph 4-2-4, Aircraft Call Signs
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Paragraph 2-3-5a, Aircraft Identity
FAA Order JO 7110.10, Paragraph 6-2-1b1, Flight Plan Recording

5-1-2

5-1-2. Follow IFR Procedures Even When
Operating VFR
a. To maintain IFR proficiency, pilots are urged to
practice IFR procedures whenever possible, even
when operating VFR. Some suggested practices
include:
1. Obtain a complete preflight briefing and
check NOTAMs. Prior to every flight, pilots should
gather all information vital to the nature of the flight.
Pilots can receive a regulatory compliant briefing
without contacting Flight Service. Pilots are
encouraged to use automated resources and review
AC 91-92, Pilot"s Guide to a Preflight Briefing, for
more information. NOTAMs are available online
from the Federal NOTAM System (FNS) NOTAM
Search website (https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/), private vendors, or on request from Flight
Service.
2. File a flight plan. This is an excellent low cost
insurance policy. The cost is the time it takes to fill it
out. The insurance includes the knowledge that
someone will be looking for you if you become
overdue at your destination. Pilots can file flight plans
either by using a website or by calling Flight Service.
Flight planning applications are also available to file,
activate, and close VFR flight plans.
3. Use current charts.
4. Use the navigation aids. Practice maintaining
a good course-keep the needle centered.
5. Maintain a constant altitude which is
appropriate for the direction of flight.
6. Estimate en route position times.
7. Make accurate and frequent position reports
to the FSSs along your route of flight.
b. Simulated IFR flight is recommended (under
the hood); however, pilots are cautioned to review
and adhere to the requirements specified in 14 CFR
Section 91.109 before and during such flight.
c. When flying VFR at night, in addition to the
altitude appropriate for the direction of flight, pilots
should maintain an altitude which is at or above the
minimum en route altitude as shown on charts. This
is especially true in mountainous terrain, where there
is usually very little ground reference. Do not depend
on your eyes alone to avoid rising unlighted terrain,
or even lighted obstructions such as TV towers.

Preflight