Non-Emergency Diversion
There are plenty of situations where we may need to divert, but the diversion itself is not particularly time-sensitive. In this situation, we can make more precise calculations and take our time figuring out our information before starting along our course.
Regardless of whether a diversion is emergency or non-emergency, the most critical part of the process is ensuring that we maintain a big picture perspective and don’t get bogged down in the details.
Lesson Notes
In a non-emergency diversion, we can circle in place while we figure out the A-H items. Maybe we work out A-F and then take care of G and H on the way. There are many ways to perform a non-time sensitive diversion— the important part is that you get good numbers and maintain a big picture perspective on things like “do we have enough gas?” “is the weather OK there?” and “roughly how long will this take?”
During a check ride, the examiner will want you to have accurate numbers, so it’s important that you are able to calculate them accurately and not take too long about it. However, in the real world, you may often say to yourself “Ok, we have almost full tanks, which is roughly 4 hours of fuel and this airport is 30ish minutes away—we’re good on gas.”
Multi-tasking can be a major challenge in a diversion. For example, many pilots climb or descend unintentionally during the circle because they do not trim and divide attention correctly. Focus on flying the airplane first, then switch between the numbers and flying. Always remember that aviating is the #1 priority.
Additional Resources
Flashcard Questions
If you do not trim the airplane properly during your circle, how could that make the rest of the diversion process more challenging?
What purpose can time fill other than in helping us calculate our fuel burn?
Regardless of whether a diversion is an emergency diversion or a non-emergency diversion, what is the most critical part of the process?