Diversions
Diversions are deviations an intended flight plan due to an unexpected circumstance or flight system performance.
Introduction to Diversions
- Diversions are deviations an intended flight plan due to an unexpected circumstance or flight system performance
- Situations may develop in flight which require a pilot to divert, including pilot comfort, environmentals, and aircraft condition
- While pilots do not takeoff with the intent to divert, pilots must plan for viable diverts with the necessary resources to facilitate safe operation
- Arguably, the most important step in diversions is deciding to divert in the first place
- Once the decision is made, pilots will execute either a Visual Flight Rules or Instrument Flight Rules diversion procedure
- Practice develops skills necessary for plotting a new course and determining a new ETA while en route
- Be careful to avoid common errors associated with diversion
- Although the concept is the same, their procedures can be dramatically different when flying Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
- When you have a solid understanding of diversions, compare your knowledge against the Private Pilot (Airplane) or Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Airman Certification Standards
Diversions Key Highlights
- Diversions involve changing a planned route or destination due to weather, mechanical issues, airspace restrictions, or operational considerations.
- Pilots must evaluate available airports, terrain, weather conditions, fuel status, and aircraft performance during diversion decisions.
- Effective diversion planning requires maintaining aircraft control while analyzing navigation and operational alternatives.
- Common diversion causes include deteriorating weather, runway closures, passenger emergencies, fuel concerns, and air traffic delays.
- Pilots should use navigation charts, GPS systems, and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) to identify suitable diversion options quickly.
- Communication with air traffic control improves traffic coordination and operational support during diversion situations.
- Fuel reserves and contingency planning are essential to maintain flexibility during unexpected operational changes.
- Stress, workload, and time pressure can negatively affect decision-making during diversion events.
- Scenario-based training helps pilots develop practical diversion planning and aeronautical decision-making skills.
- Understanding diversions improves risk management, situational awareness, and overall flight safety.
Situations Requiring a Devision
- No pilot plans for to divert; however, there are several situations that can lead to executing a divert, including:
- Personal minimums exceeded (fatigue, illness)
- Aircraft performance limitations exceeded (winds, system malfunction, etc.)
- Inaccurate planning (low fuel)
- Poor weather
- Airport closure
- Change in mission
- Part of preflight planning requires identifying those situations that may be present and to prepare for that contingency
Diversion Planning
- Not every airport is a suitable divert
- An alternate destination must be first and foremost a location that could overcome the challenges expected or likely at your original destination
- It must be reachable, in that you have the required fuel plus reserves
- When planning, consider a pre-filled out data card which includes:
- Airport name, including the identifier for entering into automated flight systems
- Airport Diagram/layout for familiarity
- Multiple runways (less likely both can be closed due to unknown factors like a disabled aircraft).
- Frequencies required to comply with airspace/ATC requirements
- NAVAIDs to help identify the airfield
- Approaches available, if IFR
- Any unusable runways, approaches, or clearances (such as LAHSO), you cannot accept if offered
- Services available, especially considering a maintenance related divert
- General performance expectations based on time/distance from destination
- Think fuel, time, etc.
- In the airplane you may be forced to make generalized calculations in the interest of time, but here you can be more accurate
Diversion Decision-Making
- No one wants to divert, but proper planning provides a suitable option
- When you set your personal minimums for the day, ensure they incorporate aeronautical decision-making on when to accept a diversion
- Diversions need not be empirical, that is, they don't need to be quantified by numbers, approach speeds, etc.
- If uncomfortable with a situation, divert!
- Always pack for a diversion so your not considering if you can get what you need - you'll have it. []
VFR Diversion Procedure
- Note the time
- Verify the airplane's present position
- Determine the location of the new destination
- Turn in the appropriate direction to an estimated/initial heading, taking into consideration: airspace, obstructions, and/or adverse weather
- An initial turn promptly initiates the diversion until more precise information can be determined
- Determine the distance and more exact compass heading to the new destination
- Distance:
- Plotter
- Mileage scale on chart
- 1 min of latitude = 1 NM
- Compass Heading
- Use compass rose on VOR on map
- Distance:
- Turn to the compass heading
- Select prominent land marks to aid in flying the new course
- Compute ETE, ETA, and the fuel required to reach the new destination
- Contact FSS to amend your flight plan
- Note that when diverting to a nearby airport (25 NM or less) and fuel is not critical, make reasonably accurate estimates rather than performing actual computations
IFR Diversion Procedure
- Determine new destination
- Request a clearance
- This is going to sound identical to picking up an IFR clearance (even though you're already operating on one) in air
- Execute new clearance
Diversion Common Errors
- Failure to note the time
- Unaware of fuel before diversion
- Improper calculations
- Forgetting to turn toward estimated heading
- Getting lost
Diversions Interactive Scenario
Interactive Scenario
Loading scenario details...
Decision 1
0%
Scenario Complete
Diversions Lessons & Case Studies
- National Transportation Safety Board Identification: LAX01LA110:
- The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The in-flight collision with mountainous terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power resulting from the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, continued flight into icing weather conditions, his delay in carburetor heat use, and his delay in diverting to an alternate airport.
- National Transportation Safety Board Identification: ERA17CA008:
- The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The noninstrument-rated pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight weather planning and continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.
- National Transportation Safety Board Identification: WPR10LA180:
- The NTSB determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting winds. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power on final approach due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot having to divert due to deteriorating weather conditions.
- National Transportation Safety Board Identification: ANC20MA010:
- The NTSB determined that the probable cause of this accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the collision into terrain. Contributing to the accident was Safari Aviation Inc.'s lack of safety management processes to identify hazards and mitigate the risks associated with factors that influence pilots to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Also contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's delayed implementation of a Hawaii aviation weather camera program, its lack of leadership in the development of a cue-based weather training program for Hawaii air tour pilots, and its ineffective monitoring and oversight of Hawaii air tour operators' weather-related operating practices.
Diversions Knowledge Check
Private Pilot
Core Knowledge Review
Review the foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations for Diversions.
Foundational
Immediate Feedback
Answer Explanations
Commercial Pilot
Advanced Application
Apply your knowledge of Diversions to advanced operational scenarios, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making.
Advanced
Scenario Based
Risk Management
Why Take a Quiz?
Quizzes reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for real-world decisions in the cockpit.
Diversions Conclusion
- The decision to divert cannot be made too soon
- Many pilots have put themselves into avoidable situations by pushing a situation that they knew to be bad
- Consider flying into common divert airports before needed for an emergency or detereorating weather
- When traveling cross-country, it is recommended to carry extra closes/toiletries (bingo bag) to mitigate comfort-based delays when making diversion decisions
- When making alterations due to weather, lateral deviations of 10 or 20° of course made early enough can be made to preclude a full re-work of the previously planned flight
- Don't just select diversion options, ensure you're familiar enough with the field to ensure a smooth transition from the original plan
- Still looking for something? Continue searching:
Diversions References
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary.
- Airplane Flying Handbook
- AOPA - Accident Analysis: Do you want to Divert?.