Step 4: Fuel Calculation
We select the climb and cruise profile and calculate the minimum required fuel. A sufficient amount of fuel is added for contingency purposes which is set as a safety parameter.
Step 5: Mass & Balance
Mass balance is critical when preparing our flight plans at GlobeAir, mainly as we operate light jets. This involves meticulous calculations to ensure the correct distribution of mass onboard our aircraft. It is not just about fitting luggage and passengers; it's a question of safety and legality, impacting the aircraft's overall performance.
Every piece of luggage, every passenger, and the fuel we carry contribute to the aircraft's total weight. This weight must be distributed evenly to maintain the balance and stability of the aircraft during takeoff, cruise, and landing. Furthermore, we must always adhere to the legal weight limits set by aviation regulations and aircraft manufacturer for arrival and departure.
Final Step: Filing with Eurocontrol
We consider factors such as IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and non-scheduled transport. We also review the flight plan with ATC (Air Traffic Control), ensuring it meets all regulatory requirements.
Flying under VFR, or 'visual flight rules', largely relies on the pilot's ability to control and steer the aircraft based on their direct observation of the outside environment. On the other hand, IFR, which stands for 'instrument flight rules', signifies a method of flight where the pilot operates the aircraft solely based on the readings from the onboard instruments, without any visual cues from the exterior surroundings.
A simulation is run, and the flight plan gets approved if all is green. We cross-check the flight plan using NOP software from Eurocontrol and generate the crew briefing and load manifest.