Again, this can be done using your favorite flight planning software, any FAA approved weather briefing site or calling 1800wxbrief. Now that I have the intended route, and my chosen altitude I can check my sources for the winds aloft forecast. That’s personal preference however, and really no good reason other than being a low time pilot and wanting more time should something go wrong. Using my rule of thumb I would start my trip out at 7,500′, which I would add to block 7, and I’d likely stay at that altitude for the whole trip, since I’m not sure I want to fly at 5,500 for the last part of my trip. Now, in the sample flight the first part of our flight is in the 5,000′ ground level and it finishes in the 4,000′ ground level map colors. Below is a handy image to help visualize this. My rule of thumb is 2,000 ft AGL minimum, adjusting for VFR altitude rules. This is easily done the same way I adjusted the sample flight path in the last tip. I check foreflight, ask during my weather brief, or check the FAA listing of TFR sites.Īs always, a TFR on or near your intended flight path will require a re-route of your intended course. Where can you find active TFRs? I’m glad you asked. However, breaking a TFR will get you a visit or a phone call from the FAA. Temporary Flight Restrictions pop up every now and then and for various different reasons. My new Route of Flight (for section 8) is KABQ -> LZZRD -> CNX -> KROW Check for TFRs Yes, I know that there are times when such airspace isn’t active and I can fly through it, however, I can simply avoid it and not add too much time or distance to my flight. I don’t have any intention of being intercepted so I’ll change my flight to head to the Corona VOR and then down to Roswell. However, the direct path from LZZRD to KROW takes me over Restricted airspace and an MOA (Military Operation Area). On our sample flight I will go to LZZRD and then down to Roswell. It will help when you fill out the Route section on the flight plan. If there is a known point within a few miles from your chosen spot pick that one. This will then bring up a window showing the nearest known point. Using Foreflight, or other flight planning software you can drag and drop your route to avoid something on your map. If you’ve ever tried to fly a 172 at altitude, you would avoid the mountain too!īonus Tip: Set your points to a known Airport, Nav or Waypoint to have ATC better understand where you are going. For example in our sample flight plan I want to divert around the mountain. Once you’ve see whats in your path on the direct route you can change your plan as needed. After all, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line!įor now, my Route of Flight is KABQ direct to KROW Deviate based on airspace (or terrain) You shouldn’t make any quick judgments on a flight before you see the direct route. Quick look at altitude and terrain along flight path.Determine potential obstacles to flight (our next tip).Distance between the two points (this is great for determining if an airport is far enough to be called a cross country). ![]() While I won’t fly this direct route it gives me some useful information to see the direct path. The straight line route takes me directly over the 10,000′ mountain to the east of Albuquerque. Let’s plan a flight from my home airport of Albuquerque (KABQ) to Roswell (KROW). Knowing the weather is crucial to making a safe flying plan. USAirNet is one of the resources I use as well as. There are several resources I use to check weather both as a lead up to my flight date and for flight planning. If we can’t understand at least the basics of weather than we will have a much harder time flying. Each tip, when it directly relates to a section of the flight plan will reference the block you put that information into. Here are some of my tips that help me plan my VFR trips and filling out a VFR flight plan.įilling out a VFR flight plan isn’t terribly difficult. With all the information you have rolling around your head it’s easy to forget the simplest of tasks. Understanding what you need to put on the plan is one thing, and gathering all the data you need is another. If you have ever flown a plane, you’ve filled a VFR flight plan.
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