Diverting
Diverting
When taking your private pilot practical test, your examiner will have you divert from a planned cross-country destination to another airport—one you choose because of some unforeseen inability to get to your destination, or one of his or her choice. Either way, you must chart a course to that airport, calculate a new groundspeed and fuel burn, and determine the time involved—all while keeping the airplane shiny side up. Don’t let these skills atrophy once you receive your certificate.
Choose Alternate
Choose a suitable alternate. Is it the best choice in terms of facilities available, runway length, and any other considerations? If you haven’t trimmed the airplane for hands-off flight, do so now. As you grab your chart and a pencil and an E6B in preparation for the next few steps, remember you’ve got to remain upright.
Start a Turn
Start a turn. Make a rough estimate of your new heading and turn to it. No sense in continuing to fly in the wrong direction; you’ll finesse your course as you progress.
Draw Course Line
Draw a course line on your chart. A straight line from your airplane to your desired airport might not work. Adjust for airspace or to take you to landmarks or navaids that will help you find your alternate (for example, a VOR not directly on the field). A plotter will help you determine true course.
E6B
Use an E6B to calculate your new course with estimated wind correction angle; calculate your new groundspeed. This is a critical part of the process; you want to make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination. (A tailwind can become a headwind.) Tune in the VOR frequency at your destination, if available, and verify its Morse-code identification.
Landmark Check
As you progress to the airport, check landmarks and note times to ensure that your calculations add up. If possible, use intersecting radials from two VORs to cross-check your position.
Call Flight Service
Call flight service and check notams for the new destination. You don’t want to be the pilot who lands in the middle of the airshow you didn’t realize was taking place.
Jill W. Tallman
AOPA Technical Editor
AOPA Technical Editor Jill W. Tallman is an instrument-rated private pilot who is part-owner of a Cessna 182Q.
