Diversion Procedure

Diversion procedure

Make the decision to divert early!
Once made, choose a prominent feature from which to carry out the diversion. This point can be ahead of you, off to one side or even behind you.
Draw a line from your divert point to your new destination.
Make all the necessary calculations - heading, distance, ETA, performance factors (drift down, terrain clearance etc) - based on this diversion point. Also, review the airspace, weather and NOTAMs for the new destination.
On arrival at your diversion point, turn onto your new heading.
Transmit your diversion intentions.
Maintain communication channel 121.5 and 123.45
Then as per normal navigation techniques to get to your destination.

The Main Message

The diversion is a high workload activity and can lead to stress, especially if you are lost. In most cases you have to cope with new environments and planning requirements.

Success depends on your ability as a pilot to keep a cool head and carefully follow the diversion procedure. Aviate, Navigate, Communicate and Administrate. The following checklist may help with in-flight planning of a diversion.

THE Diversion Checklist

Sync Heading Indicator
Fix your location
Note the Time
Turn on to an approximate Heading
Draw a Line and determine the Distance
Determine True Track
Assess the drift from the Wind Correction Angle
Determine the Variation
Verify True Airspeed on ASI
Calculate the Magnetic Heading
Check Altitude (Hemispherical Rule)
Determine Ground Speed
Determine Time En-route
Determine Fuel Burn
Contact ATC and Advise of New Destination and ETA if applicable
Check Aeronautical information for New Destination Info.
- AWS / ATIS
- ATC
- CTAF / Tower
- Ground
- Airport Elevation
- Traffic Pattern Altitude