CLEARWhat does CRAFT stand for?
Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency (departure), Transponder (squawk).
CLEARWhich CRAFT items change most often?
The departure Frequency and the Transponder code — copy them carefully; route is often "as filed."
CLEARWhy read back the whole clearance?
So ATC confirms what you heard matches what they intended — catches errors before you fly them.
CLEARClearance void time — what if you're not off in time?
Clearance is invalid; remain on the ground and advise ATC. If unable to reach ATC, you may not depart IFR.
DPODP vs. SID?
ODP = obstacle clearance, may be flown at pilot discretion unless assigned. SID = ATC-assigned routing that also clears obstacles.
DPWhat does a climb gradient (ft/NM) require of you?
Convert to ft/min at your groundspeed and confirm your aircraft can meet it before accepting the departure.
HOLDThree holding entries?
Direct, parallel, and teardrop — chosen by inbound heading relative to the pattern (70° rule separates parallel/teardrop).
HOLDStandard hold — turns & inbound leg time (≤14,000 ft)?
Right turns; inbound leg timed to 1 minute (1½ min above 14,000 ft).
HOLDWind correction on the outbound leg?
Triple the inbound drift correction outbound to produce a 1-minute inbound leg on the pattern.
HOLDWhat is EFC and why track it?
Expect-Further-Clearance time — your lost-comm reference and a fuel-planning anchor while holding.
RISKBiggest ongoing risks in a hold?
Drifting out of protected airspace and burning fuel — fly precise headings/timing and watch endurance.
R44Where do hold/departure performance numbers come from?
R44 POH performance & fuel-flow sections for endurance/climb. R44 is normally VFR-only — verify IFR use.