Understanding Obstructions: The Importance of Accurate Altitude Information

Understanding Obstructions: The Importance of Accurate Altitude Information

When flying, understanding your surroundings is just as critical as grasping technical concepts. Imagine preparing for your next flight and knowing exactly how to navigate around potential hazards—like obstructions in flight paths. If you’ve ever wondered about the altitude of specific obstructions, particularly those located near VORTACs, you're in the right place. Let’s break it down.

What’s a VORTAC Anyway?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about what VORTAC means. VORTAC is a navigational aid that combines two systems: VOR (VHF Omni-directional Ranges) and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation). Essentially, it's like a guiding star for pilots, helping them navigate safely while flying. In our discussion, we'll focus on the Savannah VORTAC—specifically an obstruction found on the 009° radial, located 11 nautical miles from the VORTAC.

The Big Question: How High is That Obstacle?

Here’s the heart of our discussion: what is the altitude of the obstruction in question? The options are:
A. 300 ft MSL
B. 454 ft MSL
C. 600 ft MSL
D. 950 ft MSL

The correct answer is 454 ft MSL (Mean Sea Level). Yes, that’s right! Knowing this number is crucial for anyone navigating through this airspace.

Navigating the Charts

Determining the altitude of an obstruction isn’t just guesswork; it requires diligent reference to appropriate aeronautical charts, particularly sectional charts or terminal area charts for that specific region. Think of these charts as the maps in a treasure hunt—they guide you away from danger instead of towards it. The Savannah VORTAC provides essential navigational assistance. Clearly marked obstructions can pose considerable flight hazards, especially in busy airspaces.

Sectional charts can often show various obstacles’ elevations, but it’s essential to keep in mind that altitude is just one piece of the puzzle when ensuring safe flight. You might even request a flight plan that incorporates these factors. Not something to brush off, right?

Why 454 Feet?

So, why does knowing that particular altitude matter? Aviators must maintain specific altitudes to steer clear of terrain features and other aircraft—think of it as a game of dodgeball in the sky. In this case, the 454 feet MSL reading is derived from various reliable data sources, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation resources. These entities are diligent about updating crucial geographical features to keep pilots informed.

Beyond the Numbers

What’s critical to remember is that the other options—300 ft, 600 ft, and 950 ft—do not correlate with the obstruction reported on the 009° radial. Being off by even a few feet might turn your navigation from safe to perilous in an instant. It’s almost wild how such small details matter, isn’t it?

Lessons from the Sky

As you prepare for your FAA Ground School Practice Tests, consider the importance of altitude information. Each question you face has practical implications on real-world flying, and mastering them both enhances safety and boosts your confidence in the cockpit. Let’s face it—we're not just learning for a test but for something far more significant: the joy and responsibility of flying!

In conclusion, understanding how to read and utilize sectional charts will significantly contribute to your aviation knowledge. Remember, knowing how high an obstruction is can save you from potential conflicts during your flight.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you’re up for a little flight prep, sit back and take a good look at those charts. Each number holds a story, a precaution, and perhaps a lesson. Fly smart, fly safe!