You have decided to earn your private pilot certificate. The first half of your training is going well, and you just soloed. Now it’s time to prepare for the next step in your training: the solo cross country. This article will guide you through preparing for one of the most exciting days of your flying journey.
At first, it may seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable parts will help. Once you select your destination and the airplane you’ll be flying, you’ll need to follow a series of coordinated steps.
The first step is to ensure you, the pilot, are legal to fly. Review the IMSAFE checklist and your pilot certificates to confirm.
Next, determine if your aircraft is legal to fly. Are all the legal documents present in the airplane? Are the logbooks up to date, and have the inspections been completed? Does the aircraft have the equipment necessary for you to fly your cross country?
Once you’ve confirmed that both you and the aircraft are ready, proceed with your cross-country planning.
Call flight service and request a full briefing for your departure airport, enroute plan, and destination airport. The briefer will review current and forecasted conditions with you for your departure, enroute, and arrival.
With the current weather information, you can plot your final route and consider any weather briefings and NOTAMs you received. Develop contingency plans for alternate airports and possible emergencies during your final planning. Also, ensure you understand how current and forecasted weather conditions will affect your fuel consumption and aircraft performance.
The final step in flight planning is to calculate your weight, balance, and aircraft performance data. This will vary depending on the aircraft and fuel load. Never use the same weight and balance twice. The prudent pilot will always calculate a new weight and balance based on the current conditions, regardless of how similar they may be.
When you’re ready for your solo cross-country, your instructor will review your flight planning and calculations, provide the necessary signoffs, and send you on your way.
After completing your cross-country flight, take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment. You can now begin preparing for your checkride!