when i'm planning xc flight, should I use terminal chart (if its available) as my main navigation, and then sectional, after I reached the boundaries of terminal chart?

My first xc flight (with cfi) is on sunday, and my cfi asked me to plan route from RNT to HQM through VFR Seatac corridor. I made a part of the route on terminal seattle chart, and as soon as I reached SHN - i'm thinking about switching to sectional.

Is it something that should be practiced, or will get me lost?? Should i do everything just on one chart?

thanks

 

If it were my student, I would recommend using the sectional, then just pulling out the TAC in-flight for reference. That way when you're planning, you're not dealing with different scales.

Best bet is to ask YOUR instructor though...have fun!

Your CptSpeaking

 

I think you got the basic idea. You should definetely plan your route on both charts, using your sectional for distances and headings. Refer to your TAC for any heading changes. Also, it might not be a bad idea to have a "diversion" plan incase you do not get a bravo clearance. While flying, defintely have your TAC chart out. Throughly review it and any directions associated with it. I have never flown Seattle so I can not give you any pitfalls, warnings or heads up on its particulars.

As a side question to anyone else that might be abkle to provide some insight on "picky" detail:

Do VFR corridors even exist? The AIM defines it: 3-5-5

b. VFR Corridors.

1. The design of a few of the first Class B airspace areas provided a corridor for the passage of uncontrolled traffic. A VFR corridor is defined as airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication with air traffic control.

2. These corridors are, in effect, a "hole" through Class B airspace. (See FIG 3-5-2.) A classic example would be the corridor through the Los Angeles Class B airspace, which has been subsequently changed to Special Flight Rules airspace (SFR). A corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface like a VFR Flyway. Because of their finite lateral and vertical limits, and the volume of VFR traffic using a corridor, extreme caution and vigilance must be exercised.

I have flown in Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Phoenix Bravo areas and do not remember ever seeing a "hole" through Bravo.

 

Looks like its going to be a bloody mess with maps and notes in the cockpit! wonder how it is on big jets

thanks for the tip. I didn't even think to make an alternative route!

too many things to learn! i'm loving it

 

While all (as far as I know) Class Bravo airspaces have VFR transition routes (the ones that you need clearance to use), there are a few that also utilize VFR corridors. I don't know if SEA has one, but there IS one in San Diego...so yeah, they're still out there.

 

Plan using the sectional but draw your route on the terminal chart as well and use that for your pilotage. Bigger pictures always help

 

All the notes and charts go away with the jets. This is the beauty of IFR and FMS. As long as you can spell the fix, you are golden.
The only note you will have in the jets is "Wheelchair and Lav service," that will make sense soon enough if it doesn't now.

good luck