|Navlog|

ASA has made its CX-2 Pathfinder available online. Pretty neat.

There are many acronyms in aviation (AiA), something you’ll quickly find in the number of a Google search result.

One of my favorite—and one not much used in US aviation for some reason—is the FREDA check.

This is a mnemonic device a pilot uses at every checkpoint or every so often enroute. Expanded, each letter stands for:

F: Fuel on correct tank, fuel pressure correct, fuel flow correct, contents indicating as expected, contents sufficient, tanks in balance, pump off.

R: Radios–No 1 frequency on current ATC – standby frequency on next expected. No 2 frequency on 121.5 if not being used for ATIS; Volumes set correctly, both receiving. Transponder, correct code, interrogating; VORs both tuned to correct frequency and re-identify, warning flags away; ADF, tuned correctly, identified, sensible indication if within range; DME tuned, set to correct NAV option, re-identify, groundspeed and distance fit the metal picture; RNAV set to correct mode, data rechecked.

E: Engine–Carb heat on, RPM drop as expected; Ts (temperatures) & Ps (pressures) good; Mixture set; Suction (many miss that); Ammeter (many miss that too); Carb heat off again. RPM as required.

D: Direction indicator synchronized, correct heading, heading bug set correctly, setting knob free to turn (not "caged").

A: Altimeter: Correct settings in Kohlsman windows of BOTH altimeters. Differential matches mental picture. Indicated level is appropriate for direction being flown; both altimeters indicate safe clearance from MSA.