Commercial Pilot (Airplane)
Cross-Country Flight Planning Lesson Plan

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Cross-Country Flight Planning Lesson Plan covers eligibility, experience, and knowledge required to attain a commercial pilot (airplane) certificate.


Attention

Attention

Motivator

Motivator

Overview

Overview


Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Cross-Country Flight Planning:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials

Required Materials
  • Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard

Instructor Actions

Instructor Actions

Student Actions

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Cross-Country Flight Planning Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Cross-Country Flight Planning Airman Certification Standards
  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with cross-country flights and VFR flight planning
  • Note: Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Cross-Country Flight Planning Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:

  • CA.I.D.K1:

    Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities.

  • CA.I.D.K2:

    Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, VFR cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.

  • CA.I.D.K3:

    Calculating:
    • CA.I.D.K3a:
      Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed.
    • CA.I.D.K3b:
      Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC).
    • CA.I.D.K3c:
      Fuel requirements, including reserve.

  • CA.I.D.K4:

    Elements of a VFR flight plan.

  • CA.I.D.K5:

    Procedures for filing, activating, and closing a VFR flight plan.

  • CA.I.D.K6:

    Inflight intercept procedures.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Cross-Country Flight Planning Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • CA.I.D.R1:

    Pilot.

  • CA.I.D.R2:

    Aircraft.

  • CA.I.D.R3:

    Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).

  • CA.I.D.R4:

    External pressures.

  • CA.I.D.R5:

    Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.

  • CA.I.D.R6:

    Fuel planning.

  • CA.I.D.R7:

    Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Cross-Country Flight Planning Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

  • CA.I.D.S1:

    Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis based on real-time weather, to the first fuel stop.

  • CA.I.D.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.

  • CA.I.D.S3:

    Create a navigation log and prepare a VFR flight plan.

  • CA.I.D.S4:

    Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.

  • CA.I.D.S5:

    Use an electronic flight bag (EFB), if applicable.

Re-Motivation

Re-Motivation
  • With a foundation on the requirements to meet certification standards, students can envision a path to certification completion.

Closure

Closure
  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson

Reference Materials

Reference Materials