Double Check Your FMS and the GPS Waypoints
Posted by Jeffrey on 11th February 2010
The other day we were flying somewhere, it really is a blur sometimes, and part of my pre-flight preparation is to program the Flight Management System (FMS) with all the pertinent information for our flight. It takes about 10 minutes, maybe less if I’m in a rush, to get it to a point that my first officer can double check the work.
Now the Collins FMS 4200 we use allows you to either enter stored routes in the database for quick retrieval or program the route one way point at a time.
You have to be careful either way.
Many times your “stored” route is different from your cleared route or your pre-departure clearance (PDC) route. You need to study your release and clearances carefully and then confirm the route that you have entered. Many times ATC will delete, change, or add a waypoint.
Whether you get your clearance via clearance delivery or through a PDC, if you don’t understand the clearance or you have a question about the routing, pick up the microphone and ask. Don’t take off if there is any doubt in your mind. I’ve become very cautious about this. I’ve learned that if either my first officer or myself have ANY doubt, whatsoever, about the clearance, we call.
Tags: Airplanes, Aviation, CRJ200, Flying, FMS
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