Back to Board Index
Back to Board Index
Forum help
| Flight planning query | |
John Hughes  9th Feb 2011 20:18:07 | Hi everyone. Just a quick flight planning query. Here is the route from Belfast to Gatwick:
LISBO DCT PEPOD DCT IOM UL10 WAL UL151 KEPAD/N0423F330 UL151 TELBA/N0362F190 L151 KIDLI Does anyone know what the N0423F330 and N0362F190 parts mean? I assume F330 and F190 refer to altitude but I'm baffled about the NO423 and NO362 bits. Are they alternative intersection references? Thanks. John |
Mick McG   9th Feb 2011 21:09:48 | Hi John,
N0423 is the speed in knots (ie 423kts). In some flightplans for routes over the ocean you may see a similar "M082F330" where "M" is the Mach number (so M082 = Mach 0.82) The "F" is, as you guessed, the Flight Level (always based on the Standard Altimeter Setting 1013mb/29.92inHg) so F330 = Flight Level (FL)300. On some VFR flight plans you are more likely to see "A" instead of "F". This refers to altitude (funny old thing) and will be based on the prevailing regional or aerodrome QNH, so A030 = 3000ft alt etc. Remember "Flight Level" is not the same as an "altitude" - they have very diferent definitions to an ATCO geek like me (don't get me started!) The speed figures you quote are particularly specific though! I reckon this may have been produced by a "jetplan" where the pilot/ops despatcher bungs in a route for the aircraft on their version of Dave's "Pilot Assistant". The computer works out all the fuel requirements, optimum flight plan route, speed and levels all based on the "zero fuel weight" (ie the weight of the aircraft itself, the cargo, baggage and passengers but, as it says, minus the weight of the fuel). A flight plan is often filed automatically on the strength of this although, as you see in your example, it can produce some very specific speeds. Long winded answer to a short question I know, but you now know as much as me! Cheers pal, M |
| Mick McG 9th Feb 2011 21:46:41 | Doh! Deliberate mistake?... "so F330 = Flight Level (FL)300"
Nope!, F330 = FL330!! Ooops, M |
| Christian Smith 10th Feb 2011 00:09:00 | As Mick says this speed information is very specific. I think that flight plan was with me I'd pick them up on it if they werent at that speed :p
Quick question... did you pull up this flight plan through pilot assistant? If you want to start putting this in your flight plans then just grab an ATCO1 on t/s - they'll explain things if you get stuck- I often just put them in for the final couple of fixes so that the approach controller can clearly see what I intend to do. Though In real flight planning they can appear throughout with particular emphasis on the beginning (Departure) and the end (Towards Approach) as this, obviously, is when the aircraft will be making the most changes to both speed and FL. Christian |
| John Hughes 10th Feb 2011 20:07:03 | Mick and Christian
Many thanks for your prompt and informative replies. John |
You need to Log on to post a reply. |
Forum help