Cross country flight planning is a crucial skill for all pilots, as it involves planning and executing a flight from one airport to another over a significant distance. For a training flight to be counted as cross country and count toward your aeronautical requirements, it must be more than 50 nautical miles in distance from the departure airport.
Navigation Types
Pilotage
Pilotage is the most basic form of navigation, involving flying by visual reference to landmarks on the ground. This method requires good visibility and familiarity with the terrain. Pilotage is the method you use when you begin flight training to fly in the traffic pattern, fly to the practice areas and performing maneuvers.
Using visual landmarks (i.e looking out of the window). and comparing them to VFR sectional charts that emphasize objects that are easy to identify from the air, e.g., highways, towns, lakes, big towers etc you are able to navigate with a paper chart to guide you.
- Tools Needed:
- Sectional charts
- A clear day with good visibility
- Advantages:
- Simple and doesn’t require any electronic equipment.
- Good for short distances and familiar areas.
- Disadvantages:
- Difficult in poor visibility or unfamiliar terrain.
- Limited to areas with recognizable landmarks.
The procedure to navigate on cross country flights using pilotage is:
- Plot planned course (avoid restricted areas, open water)
- Select checkpoints along the route
- Measure distance from checkpoint to checkpoint
- Develop flight plan and navlog
- In-flight procedure
- Fly planned headings and airspeed
- At each checkpoint, use left / right deviation for wind correction
Dead Reckoning
Dead Reckoning involves calculating your position based on your last known position, speed, heading, and time. It requires pre-flight planning and continuous in-flight adjustments.
You should use dead reckoning in conjunction with pilotage (VFR you must look out of the windows – see and avoid) to ensure you are on course, on airspeed, and on time.
The procedure to navigate using dead reckoning is:
- Plot course on chart, including landmarks.
- Measure true course (TC) at meridian nearest the center of the course
- Correct for forecast wind to find true heading (TH)
- Correct for magnetic variation to find MH
- Estimate ground speed and ETE for each leg (account for time, speed, distance to climb in the POH)
- Tools Needed:
- Navigation log
- Plotter
- Flight computer (E6B)
- Clock or watch
- Advantages:
- Works without external references.
- Can be used over featureless terrain or water.
- Disadvantages:
- Errors can accumulate over time.
- Requires continuous monitoring and adjustments.
Radio Navigation
Radio Navigation uses ground-based radio navigation aids to determine position and track.
VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)
VOR stations emit signals that aircraft can receive and use to determine their bearing relative to the station. Radio Navigation can be used in conjunction with pilotage to assist in determining your position and mark landmark positions using VOR radials for location purposes.
- Tools Needed:
- Aircraft VOR receiver
- Sectional charts with VOR locations
- Advantages:
- Reliable and widely available.
- Provides precise navigation.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited range based on altitude and distance from the station.
- Requires functional avionics.
GPS (Global Positioning System) Navigation
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate position information worldwide. Navigation by GPS is a crucial and reliable method for modern aviation. It enables pilots to determine their precise location, follow predefined routes, and execute complex procedures with high accuracy.
- Tools Needed:
- GPS receiver integrated into airplane avionics. (handheld devices may be used for situational awareness)
- Advantages:
- Highly accurate and reliable.
- Provides position, speed, and time information.
- Can display maps, airspace boundaries, and other information.
- Disadvantages:
- Dependence on satellites and electronic equipment.
- Potential for signal interference or loss in some areas.
In practice, pilots often use a combination of these navigation types for cross country flight to enable redundancy and accuracy. For example, a pilot might use GPS as the primary navigation method but cross-check with VOR and pilotage. This approach helps ensure safety and reliability, especially during long cross-country flights.
By mastering these navigation methods, pilots can navigate effectively under various conditions and in different types of airspace, enhancing their overall proficiency and confidence.
Cross Country Pre-Flight Preparation
Selecting the Route
- Destination: Choose a suitable destination airport. Consider factors like runway length, available services, and weather.
- Waypoints: Identify checkpoints along the route. These can be VORs (VHF Omnidirectional Range), towns, lakes, or other landmarks.
Charts and Publications
- Sectional Charts: Obtain the latest sectional charts for the planned route.
- Chart Supplement: Review information about the departure, destination, and alternate airports.
- NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen): Check for any notices that might affect your flight.
Weather Briefing
- METARs and TAFs: Get the current weather and forecasts for your departure, en route, and destination areas.
- Weather Charts: Review surface analysis, prognostic charts, and winds aloft.
- PIREPs: Look for pilot reports that might give insight into current conditions.
- Weather Briefing:
Flight Planning
Navigation Log
- Distances: Measure the distance between waypoints.
- Headings: Calculate the magnetic headings for each leg, accounting for magnetic variation.
- Groundspeed: Estimate groundspeed based on forecast winds aloft.
- Time Enroute: Calculate the time for each leg based on groundspeed and distance.
- Fuel Requirements: Determine the fuel required, including reserves.
Weight and Balance
- Aircraft Weight: Calculate the aircraft’s weight and ensure it’s within limits.
- Center of Gravity: Ensure the center of gravity is within the acceptable range.
Filing a Flight Plan
- VFR Flight Plan: File a VFR flight plan with Flight Service. This can be done online, on an app such as Foreflight or via phone (1-800-wx-brief).
- Flight Following may be utilized in lieu for filing a flight plan.
Pre-Flight Inspection
- Aircraft Pre-Flight: Perform a thorough pre-flight inspection of the aircraft, checking fuel, oil, control surfaces, and instruments.
- Equipment: Ensure you have all necessary equipment, including charts, plotter, flight computer, and emergency gear.
In-Flight Procedures
Navigation
- Pilotage: Navigate by visual reference to landmarks.
- Dead Reckoning: Use calculated headings and times when landmarks are not visible.
- Radio Navigation: Utilize VORs, GPS, or other navigation aids as necessary.
Communication
- Radio Calls: Make appropriate radio calls at each checkpoint and as required by airspace rules.
- ATC Services: Utilize Flight Following if available for traffic advisories.
Arrival Procedures
- Airport Information: Review the destination airport information before arrival, including traffic patterns and runway layout.
- Approach and Landing: Follow standard traffic pattern procedures for a safe approach and landing.
Post-Flight
- Logbook Entry: Log the flight in your pilot logbook.
- Debrief: Review the flight, noting any deviations from the plan and areas for improvement.
Useful Resources for Cross Country Planning and Flying
Useful Websites.