Preparation for Flight

 

Gather Appropriate Charts, (IFR-VFR), AFD’s

Determine Route of Flight

Adjust flight for 2 ½-3 hour “legs”

Highlight – Route, Nav aids & frequencies, FSS freq.'s

                                       (orange highlighter suggested)

 

12 Hours Prior

 

Weather Report  -  Entire route  (for following day)

(Special attention to 1st “leg”)

Organize Charts in clipboards, folders, etc. (in order of use)

Plan Flight – including Fuel, Alternates, and Reserve Fuel

Charge any battery equipment (alt. Radio, Flashlights, etc.)

Allow 1 hour extra for early wake-up calls.

Organize all Charts and equipment in one place

 

2 Hours Prior

 

Check Weather – Compare to 12 hour Forecast

File Flight Plan for 1st “leg”

Pack Flight Case – (include charts from surrounding area’s along flight path if possible)

 

Determine Route of Flight

Equipment Needed

 

Plotter

E6B or Electronic Computer

Navigational Log

Pencils and Pens  (fine tips)

Computer Print-out of weather details (optional)

Copy of Aircraft Weight and balance information

Copy of climb, cruise, and fuel performance

 

 

Weather Information

 

Personal Computer Weather Information

 

Internet – Duat.com

Print-out all pertinent weather information

 

FSS – Flight Service Station Information

 

Call – 1 (800) WX BRIEF  or  1-800-992-7433

Check all information with computer printout, the weather personnel may have ideas or information you haven’t thought of for the flight.

 

Mark - FLIGHT WATCH Frequency  122.0

 

Organizing charts

 

Arrange charts in an “as needed” order.  Don’t forget ATIS frequencies at departure, Enroute, and destination.  This will help you see if weather is as forecast – better or worst.

 

Flight plan

 

Divide flight into 2 ½ - 3 hour legs.  This helps organize your flight log, gives you a break from flying, and keeps fuel levels good for unexpected events.

Plan on checking with flight watch at least once along the flight, know where and how to report your position.

USE A FLIGHT LOG – this is the best way to organize all information for the trip, and avoid leaving something important out.

Know the airports along your route of flight, this will let you “turn around” if weather gets bad, and give you a place to land.

When Finished – Put all charts and equipment in one location to avoid leaving something important behind.

 

 

1 hour before the flight

 

Check weather a final time – go – no-go decision

File a flight plan for the first leg of the flight.  Other flight plans can be written out and kept for use at each stop-over for the next leg.  Corrections can be made at these points if needed before filing.

 

Make a final “double check” of your flight case.

 

Check by the phone to make sure all WX information is going with you.

 

At the Airport

 

USE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR CHECK LISTS

Take special care while checking the plane.  On long x-c’s, it’s a good feeling to know in the air that you’ve made a detailed checklist before takeoff.

 

Pick up IFR clearances on the ground if possible, this will reduce the workload on takeoff and climb.