Task I. Navigation and Cross-Country Flight Planning PDF

***Task I. Navigation and Cross-Country Flight Planning*** **References:** 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25, NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts **Objective:** To determine the applicant understands navigation and cross-country flight planni...

***Task I. Navigation and Cross-Country Flight Planning*** **References:** 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25, NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts **Objective:** To determine the applicant understands navigation and cross-country flight planning, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction. **Note:** Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option. **Knowledge:** The applicant demonstrates instructional knowledge by describing and explaining: AI.II.I.K1 Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities. AI.II.I.K2 Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, visual flight rules (VFR) cruising altitudes, and effect of wind. AI.II.I.K3 Plotting a course. AI.II.I.K4 Power setting selection. AI.II.I.K5 Calculating: AI.II.I.K5a a. Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed AI.II.I.K5b b. Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC) AI.II.I.K5c c. Fuel requirements, including reserve AI.II.I.K6 Elements of a VFR flight plan. AI.II.I.K7 Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision. AI.II.I.K8 Procedures for activating and closing a VFR flight plan. AI.II.I.K9 Magnetic compass errors. AI.II.I.K10 Pilotage and dead reckoning. AI.II.I.K11 Planned calculations versus actual results and required corrections. AI.II.I.K12 Diversion and lost procedures. AI.II.I.K13 Inflight intercept procedures. AI.II.I.K14 Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used. AI.II.I.K15 Chart symbols. **Risk Management:** The applicant explains and teaches how to identify and manage risk associated with: AI.II.I.R1 Pilot. AI.II.I.R2 Aircraft. AI.II.I.R3 Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles). AI.II.I.R4 External pressures. AI.II.I.R5 Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services. AI.II.I.R6 Fuel planning. **Skills:** The applicant demonstrates and simultaneously explains how to: AI.II.I.S1 Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis to the first fuel stop. AI.II.I.S2 Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative to airport, runway and taxiway closures; and other flight publications. AI.II.I.S3 Create a navigation plan and simulate filing a VFR flight plan. AI.II.I.S4 Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator. **Introduction** ================ Leaving the local training area offers enjoyment but poses unique risks. The FAA requires additional preparation for such a flight, specifically so that the PIC becomes familiar with weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, and alternatives available. Careful planning reduces risk and lessens the burden on the pilot when unforeseen circumstances arise. **Objectives** ============== After this lesson, the learner will be able to: - - - - - - In addition, flight instructor applicants will be able to: - **Prerequisites** ================= This lesson should begin with obtaining current weather information. The learner should understand weather theory and aviation weather services (refer to the [[Weather Information]](https://mycfibook.com/lesson-plans/weather-information/) lesson plan). The learner should understand navigational aids and be able to navigate using the equipment installed in the aircraft (refer to the [[Navigation Systems and Radar Services--VFR]](https://mycfibook.com/lesson-plans/navigation-systems-and-radar-services/) lesson plan). **Teaching Strategy** ===================== - - - Note: Preparing and presenting a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option during practical tests (Ref: [[FAA-S-ACS-25]](https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/cfi_airplane_acs_25.pdf)). **Lesson Presentation** ======================= 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. **Appendices and Supplements** - - - - **Aircraft Specific Training** ============================== - - **Case Studies** ================ A Piper Seneca crashes after encountering deteriorating weather on a VFR cross-country flight: - - - - **Resources** ============= - - - - - - - - - - - - **Schedule** ============ 1. 2. 3. **Equipment** ============= - - - - - - - - - - **Review and Assessment** ========================= The lesson concludes with a combined informal assessment and review focused on the objectives. The instructor also addresses any remaining learner questions and provides feedback on individual progress and performance. **Completion Standards** ======================== This lesson is complete when the lesson objectives are met and the learner's knowledge and risk management are determined to be adequate for the stage of training. Ultimately, the learner must meet or exceed the Airman Certification Standards. ### - #### **Atmospheric** **Standard pressure** --- 29.92\`\" Hg **Standard temperature** --- 15°C #### **Altitudes** - - - - - - - #### **Airspeeds** - - - - - - - ### **Aeronautical charts** #### **Types of Charts** ### **Chart Supplements add more chart typei** These publications provide detailed information on airports, communications, and IFR routes. They are updated every 56 days and can be accessed digitally through the FAA\'s website. - - - - - - - - - - #### **Information on Charts** - - - - #### **Keeping Charts Updated** - - ### **Weather Planning** References: **AIM 7-1-2, AIM 7-1-3, AIM 7-1-5, AC 91-92** Effective weather planning follows a cycle: 1. 2. 3. ### **Obtaining a Weather Briefing** **Leidos Flight Service** provides official weather briefings for the FAA. - - For a telephone briefing, provide the following: - - - - - - ### **Conducting a Self-Briefing** Pilots are encouraged to use online weather resources for self-briefing. There is no "official" source of weather data unless operating under **Part 135** or **Part 121**. The FAA recognizes self-briefing as compliant with aviation regulations. ### **Types of Weather Briefings** - - - - ### **Go/No-Go Decision Factors** **Pilot**: Consider personal minimums, proficiency, and readiness (both physical and mental). **Aircraft**: Evaluate operational limitations and installed equipment, including weather data systems. **Environment**: Assess hazardous weather (icing, turbulence), and the availability of alternate airports. **External Pressures**: Avoid pressure to rush due to passenger demands or weather concerns. ### **Updating Weather in Flight** Pilots can update weather information during flight by contacting **Flight Service Stations (FSS)** or using **datalink weather**. FSS frequencies are found in the **Chart Supplement**. ### **Navigation Methods** - - #### **Pilotage** - - - - - #### **Dead Reckoning** - - - - #### **Radio Navigation** - - - ### **Types of Radio and Satellite Navigation** 1. 2. 3. - - ### **Preflight Planning** Reference: **14 CFR 91.103, 14 CFR 91.159** #### **Choosing a Destination Airport** Consider the following factors: - - - - - #### **Choosing the Route (VFR)** A straight-line course may not always be the safest option. Consider the following: - - - - - #### **Checkpoints (VFR)** Select prominent landmarks such as rivers, lakes, railroad tracks, or power lines as checkpoints. ### **Fuel Planning (VFR)** Reference: **14 CFR 91.151** **Daytime VFR**: Aircraft must carry enough fuel to reach the destination airport and then fly for an additional **30 minutes**. **Night VFR**: The aircraft must carry enough fuel to fly for **45 minutes** after reaching the destination. ### **Filing Flight Plans** References: **14 CFR 91.153, AIM 5-1-9** **Filing a VFR Flight Plan**: While not mandatory, it is recommended for search and rescue purposes. **Activating a Flight Plan**: Best activated after departure by contacting **FSS**. **Closing a Flight Plan**: VFR flight plans should be closed after landing by contacting FSS. If not closed within **30 minutes** of the ETA, search and rescue efforts may begin. ### **Top of Climb (TOC) and Top of Descent (TOD) Calculations** #### **Top of Climb (TOC)** 1. 2. 3. #### **Top of Descent (TOD)** 1. 2. 3. ### **Measuring Distance \[VFR\]** To calculate the total distance of the flight route, measure the distance along all course segments. Ensure that the plotter scale matches the chart\'s scale to avoid errors. #### **Navigation** - - - - - ### **Variation** --- angular difference between true north and magnetic north, shown by isogonic lines on sectional charts. ### **Measuring Direction \[VFR\]** Sectional charts are aligned with true north, so any route plotted on these charts is a **True Course (TC)**. - - - - ### **Wind Correction Angle (WCA)** To stay on course in windy conditions, adjust the airplane\'s heading to compensate for wind drift. This is done by applying the **Wind Correction Angle (WCA)**. Steps to apply WCA: 1. 2. 3. ### **Magnetic Variation** Magnetic variation is the difference between true north and magnetic north, which changes based on location. The **isogonic lines** on charts show the degree of variation in a given area, while the **agonic line** represents zero variation. To convert **True Heading (TH)** to **Magnetic Heading (MH)**: - - **Mnemonic**: - - ### **Magnetic Deviation** Magnetic influences within the aircraft (such as electrical circuits, radios, and metal parts) can deflect the compass needle, causing **magnetic deviation**. Deviation is different for each airplane and varies depending on heading. The **Deviation Card** in the aircraft provides correction values for different headings. To calculate the **Compass Heading (CH)**, adjust the **Magnetic Heading (MH)** based on the deviation from the card: ### **Selecting an Appropriate En Route Altitude \[VFR\]** When flying **VFR** above **3,000 feet AGL** but below **18,000 feet MSL**, pilots must select a cruising altitude based on the magnetic course (MC): - - ### **Groundspeed, Fuel Required, and Time** Use a flight computer (e.g., E6B) to calculate groundspeed, fuel required, and time en route. These values should be recorded on a flight log as estimates. During the flight, verify or update these values as needed. ### **Fuel Reserves(14 CFR 91.151)** In addition to the fuel required for the flight, ensure compliance with **VFR fuel reserve** requirements: - - Always carry extra fuel when flying in **marginal weather** or over **unfamiliar terrain** to ensure safety. ### **Fuel Calculation Formulas** 1. 2. 3. ### **Flight Plans** #### **ICAO Flight Plan Format** Pilots must use the ICAO format (FAA Form 7233-4) when filing flight plans. The AIM 5-1-9 outlines the fields required for both domestic and international flights. **Key Differences from FAA Form 7233-1**: - - - #### **VFR Flight Plans** **Filing**: Filing a VFR flight plan is encouraged as a safety measure for search and rescue purposes. Plans can be filed by radio, but it is recommended to file before departing. **Activating**: Pilots may activate a VFR flight plan before takeoff, but it is recommended to contact an FSS once airborne to ensure the plan is activated. **Closing**: Pilots must close VFR flight plans by contacting the nearest FSS. ATC towers do not automatically close VFR plans. Failure to close within 30 minutes of the ETA triggers search and rescue procedures. #### **Defense VFR (DVFR) Flight Plans** Flights within an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) must file and activate a DVFR flight plan for security purposes. Procedures for ADIZ are detailed in 14 CFR Part 99. #### **Changes to Filed Flight Plans** Any changes to an existing flight plan should be made 45 minutes before the proposed departure time. If delayed by more than 2 hours, notify ATC or FSS of the new departure time. ### **Latitude and Longitude** **Latitude**: Circles parallel to the Equator measure degrees north or south.\ **Longitude**: Meridians measure degrees east or west from the Prime Meridian (Greenwich, England). Example for New York:\ 40° 45\' 36\" N, 73° 59\' 2\" W or 40.760000° N, 73.983889° W. ### **Universal Coordinated Time (UTC/Zulu Time)** UTC, also known as Zulu time, is the standard time at 0° longitude.\ To convert local time to UTC: - - - - - ### **Altimeter Setting Requirements (14 CFR 91.121)** **Below 18,000\' MSL**: Set the altimeter to the current reported setting from a station along the route within 100 NM.\ **At or Above 18,000\' MSL**: Set the altimeter to 29.92 inHg. ### **Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs)** NOTAMs provide time-sensitive flight safety information not published on charts. These include runway closures, airspace restrictions, and navigational aid updates. **Types of NOTAMs**: - - - - - ### **Diversion to an Alternate Airport Check Nearby Airports**: Look for the closest suitable alternate airport. 1. 2. 3. 4. ### **Quick Calculations in Flight** - - - ### **Lost Procedures \[VFR\]** If a pilot becomes lost: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In emergencies, transmit on 121.5 MHz and squawk 7700.