👀 Patterns to Recognize

• A black triangle with white A in briefing notes indicates non-standard alternate minimums.
• A + NA means alternate minimums are not authorized.
• A minimums line labeled LPV, LNAV/VNAV, or LNAV identifies the applicable RNAV system.
• DA in the minimums box signals vertical guidance; MDA signals lateral guidance only.
• White-on-black airport lighting symbols indicate pilot-controlled lighting.
• A time-and-speed table beneath an airport sketch connects ground speed with time from FAF to MAP.
• LIGHT, MODERATE, HEAVY, EXTREME correspond to increasing dBZ precipitation categories; ARTCC omits LIGHT.
• “When able, proceed direct” keeps terrain responsibility with the pilot until the relevant clearance condition is met.
• Induced drag dominates at low speed; parasite drag dominates at high speed.
• Below minimum drag, increased power is needed to maintain slower speed.
• Ice-related clues include roughness, increased drag, reduced control effectiveness, stall warning changes, or unusual pitch forces.
• A pulsing or vibrating elevator, sudden nose-down pitch, or abnormal nose-down trim suggests possible tailplane icing.
• Pitot/static problems can be identified by combinations of airspeed, altimeter, and VSI behavior.
• ANDS identifies acceleration and deceleration compass errors.
• A glideslope pointer below center means the aircraft is above the glideslope.
• A TO/FROM triangle pointing to the course arrowhead indicates “to” the facility; pointing to the tail indicates “from.”
• A moving map shows aircraft position relative to NAVAIDs, waypoints, airspace, terrain, and off-route VORs.
• A thick solid line generally identifies the main procedure or final approach course.
• A thin hash-marked line with an arrow identifies the missed-approach track.
• An inverted V with a dot identifies an obstacle; the larger symbol identifies the highest obstacle.
• An open triangle marks an intersection; a solid triangle marks a mandatory reporting point.
• A “V” airway designation indicates a Victor airway; “J” indicates a Jet route; “Q” and “T” indicate high- and low-altitude RNAV routes.
• The scan pattern should repeatedly return to the attitude indicator rather than remaining fixed on one supporting instrument.