The radar range should be set to provide approximately a 20-minute decision window.

The radar range should be set to provide approximately a 20-minute decision window.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only applicable at night
• D. Depends on altitude

Answer: (A)

Having enough look-ahead on the radar display means choosing a range that gives you roughly 20 minutes of flight time to detect hazards and decide on a course of action. The radar range you pick determines how far ahead you can see weather and traffic; a longer range shows farther but with less detail and slower updates, while a shorter range gives better detail but less time to react. Setting the range to provide about a 20‑minute decision window gives you enough time to identify an issue, assess options, and maneuver safely before it becomes critical. The actual distance this represents depends on your current groundspeed: distance equals speed times 0.333 hours. For example, at 200 knots you’d be looking at roughly 70 NM; at 400 knots about 130–135 NM. This approach applies regardless of night or altitude, since it’s about having sufficient look-ahead to plan and act.

Having enough look-ahead on the radar display means choosing a range that gives you roughly 20 minutes of flight time to detect hazards and decide on a course of action. The radar range you pick determines how far ahead you can see weather and traffic; a longer range shows farther but with less detail and slower updates, while a shorter range gives better detail but less time to react. Setting the range to provide about a 20‑minute decision window gives you enough time to identify an issue, assess options, and maneuver safely before it becomes critical. The actual distance this represents depends on your current groundspeed: distance equals speed times 0.333 hours. For example, at 200 knots you’d be looking at roughly 70 NM; at 400 knots about 130–135 NM. This approach applies regardless of night or altitude, since it’s about having sufficient look-ahead to plan and act.