Cruise Flight
Cruise flight is more than just the space between takeoff and landing but is instead the predominant phase of flight.
Introduction to Cruise Flight
- Cruise is where a flight will spend the most of its time
- Often seemingly mundane, procedures and best practices still apply to this non-dynamic phase of flight
- Test your understanding of Cruise Flight by applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.
WARNING:
All procedures are GENERALIZED.
Use the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) procedures for specific aircraft performance and limitations.
and/or current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Cruise Flight Key Highlights
- Cruise flight is the stabilized phase of flight conducted between climb and descent operations during en route travel.
- Pilots manage altitude, heading, airspeed, power settings, and fuel consumption to maintain efficient cruise performance.
- Proper cruise configuration improves aircraft efficiency, engine performance, and overall flight endurance.
- Weather conditions, winds aloft, turbulence, and density altitude significantly affect cruise flight operations.
- Pilots should continuously monitor engine instruments, fuel status, navigation progress, and aircraft systems during cruise flight.
- Trim adjustments and proper power management reduce pilot workload and improve aircraft stability.
- Collision avoidance and effective visual scanning remain important responsibilities during cruise operations.
- Navigation systems, autopilot functions, and flight planning tools assist pilots in maintaining situational awareness during en route flight.
- Changes in weather, airspace restrictions, or aircraft performance may require cruise altitude or route adjustments.
- Understanding cruise flight improves operational efficiency, workload management, and overall flight safety.
Weather Phenomena
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Turbulence Penetration Procedures:
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) allow shoulder harnesses to be removed during cruise, but they should be worn whenever turbulence is expected or encountered.
- Before entering expected turbulence, fasten the shoulder harness, tighten the safety belt, and secure loose items.
- Set the aircraft’s recommended turbulence-penetration airspeed and power according to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and avoid abrupt or excessive control inputs.
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) allow shoulder harnesses to be removed during cruise, but they should be worn whenever turbulence is expected or encountered.
Cruise Flight Common Errors
- Loss of situational awareness caused by distraction, complacency, or fixation.
- Allowing altitude, heading, or airspeed to drift because the aircraft is poorly trimmed or the instrument and outside scan becomes inconsistent.
- Failing to monitor fuel, weather, navigation progress, traffic, and changing flight conditions throughout the cruise.
Cruise Flight Interactive Scenario
Interactive Scenario
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Cruise Flight Conclusion
- Remain mindful that performance calculations are usually more optimistic than actual performance.
- Tasks tend to be required at turn points or waypoints, so knowing and tracking your ETE to each point gives a known point to plan anticipated actions ahead of time
- Don't let cruise flight become so expected that you neglect principles critical to safe flight
- Consider actual versus realized performance when doing any performance calculations
- Consider practicing maneuvers on a flight simulator to introduce yourself to maneuvers or knock off rust
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