Diversion
Private Pilot ACS · Area VI · Task C · AIM, FAA-H-8083-25
Everything you need to know about Diversion for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task VI-C, covering diversion.
Diversion Procedure §
Decision triggers: weather deterioration below personal minimums, low fuel, mechanical issue, passenger medical emergency, destination closed.
Steps:
1. Identify best alternate — nearest suitable airport by weather, runway length, services needed
2. Note current position on chart
3. Draw line to alternate — estimate heading and distance
4. Calculate new ETE: distance ÷ groundspeed
5. Verify fuel is adequate plus reserve
6. Communicate: update ATC/FSS, update flight plan
7. Fly to alternate — monitor weather and fuel continuously
Steps:
1. Identify best alternate — nearest suitable airport by weather, runway length, services needed
2. Note current position on chart
3. Draw line to alternate — estimate heading and distance
4. Calculate new ETE: distance ÷ groundspeed
5. Verify fuel is adequate plus reserve
6. Communicate: update ATC/FSS, update flight plan
7. Fly to alternate — monitor weather and fuel continuously
AIM 6-1-1; ACS PA.VI.C
Estimating Diversion Distance §
Quick estimation techniques when EFB is unavailable:
• Sectional chart: Use latitude lines (1° = 60 nm) or the chart scale bar. Each inch ≈ 6.86 nm.
• Time-distance rule: At 120 kts, 1 nm = 30 seconds; 10 nm = 5 minutes.
• Quick heading: Estimate bearing to alternate by relating it to known cardinal headings on the chart. Then apply TVMDC correction.
• Sectional chart: Use latitude lines (1° = 60 nm) or the chart scale bar. Each inch ≈ 6.86 nm.
• Time-distance rule: At 120 kts, 1 nm = 30 seconds; 10 nm = 5 minutes.
• Quick heading: Estimate bearing to alternate by relating it to known cardinal headings on the chart. Then apply TVMDC correction.
PHAK Ch.17