One-Pager — IRA-H Area III ATC Clearances & Procedures (NCHF)

One-Pager — IRA-H Area III ATC Clearances & Procedures (Lessons 06–07)

Copying the clearance — CRAFT

Clearance limit (usually destination) · Route (often "as filed") · Altitude (initial + "expect" + time) · Frequency (departure) · Transponder (squawk).
Pre-format your kneeboard with CRAFT; copy frequency & squawk carefully; read back the full clearance.
Void time: not off in time → clearance invalid; stay on the ground & advise ATC.

Departure procedures

ODP = obstacle clearance, pilot discretion unless ATC assigns; SID = ATC-assigned routing that also clears obstacles.
Both assume a published climb gradient (ft/NM) — convert to ft/min at groundspeed and confirm you can make it.

Holding (AIM 5-3-8)

Entries: direct, parallel, teardrop (70° rule). Standard = right turns, 1-minute inbound leg (≤14,000 ft).
Triple the inbound drift correction outbound; respect AIM holding speeds; track EFC for lost-comm and fuel.
Risk: stay in protected airspace and watch fuel — both bite when you fall behind the aircraft.

✍️ Your aircraft (N-________) — fill in & confirm with your CFI

Best-rate climb speed & achievable ft/min:

Holding / maneuvering speed & fuel flow:

R44 POH section(s) used / IFR approval status:

Look these up in your R44 POH and confirm with your CFI. Note: the R44 is normally VFR-certificated — verify before relying on any IFR procedure.