Cross Country Flight Plan Made Easy - Tips and Examples

Introduction

• Purpose: Simplifying the process of creating a cross-country flight plan.
• Importance: Essential checklist and route verification tool for pilots.
• Content: Tips, template, and an example of a flight plan.

Planning a Cross Country Flight

Key Tips

1. Weather Check

   • Ensure VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions all along the route.
   • Study actual and forecasted weather.
   • Check potential diversions for unforeseen weather issues.

2. Prominent Fixes for Navigation

   • Use visually distinctive features visible from the air.
   • Examples: bends in roads/rivers, intersections, unusual lakes, elevated landmarks.

3. Distance Requirements

   • Must land 50 nautical miles from the departure point.
   • Includes landing at a different point than departure.

4. Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA)

   • Maintain terrain clearance, add 500 feet to the highest point within 5 nautical miles of your route.

5. Variation Correction

   • Convert true north to magnetic north on maps.

6. Cruising Altitude Selection

   • Follow altitude rules based on your course (ODD for 0-179 degrees, EVEN for 180-359 degrees).

7. Timing Calculations

   • Determine flight duration for each leg based on ground speed.

8. Fuel Burn Calculation

   • Important for monitoring fuel reserves and detecting leaks.

9. Check NOTAMS

   • Ensure all conditions, like fuel availability at the destination, are met.

10. Map Lines

    • Use clear lines on maps for VFR navigation.

11. Drift Lines

    • Use the "one in sixty rule" to maintain course.

12. Heading, Time, and MSA on Each Leg

    • Visual aid for quick reference during flight.

Cross Country Flight Plan - Template and Example

Template

• Includes waypoints, courses (T&M), headings, altitudes, distances, MSA, time, ETA, planned fuel.

Example Flight Plan

• Simulated flight from Deer Valley, Phoenix, to Prescott.
• Filled out with details on headings, altitudes, distances, and fuel management for each leg.

VFR Cross Country Requirements

• For Private Pilot License:
  • One flight over 100 nautical miles.
  • 5 hours of solo cross-country time.
  • One 150 nautical mile solo flight with full stop landings.

Conclusion

• Cross-country flight planning is about detailed preparation and accurate execution.
• Each section of the plan is crucial for a safe and successful flight.
• Additional Resources: Guide to becoming a pilot.

These notes summarize the key points from the transcript on making cross-country flight plans, highlighting crucial tips and providing a clear framework for both the planning and execution phases of such flights.