Practical Flying Guide - Visual Navigation

The following skills should be covered during the program:

• Preflight planning including accessing current met and notam information
• Fuel planning and management
• Use of AIP for planning and in flight
• Map reading including measuring distance, course plotting and airspace recognition.
• Use of radio, transponder and GPS (if fitted)
• Access to in flight information services 
• En-route decision making and diversions
• Circuit rejoins

Planning and Preparation

A successful cross-country flight hinges on two critical elements: meticulous pre-flight planning and a thorough understanding of the route. Much of this preparation can be completed well in advance, allowing you to focus on the final calculations – heading, groundspeed, and estimated times – once the winds are known on the day of the flight.

The underlying principle is simple: the better prepared you are, the smoother and more enjoyable your flight will be. Time spent on the ground, poring over charts, weather reports, and performance data, is time well invested. As a general guideline, especially when you're starting out, planning and preparation might easily consume twice as much time as the flight itself. This ratio will shift as you gain experience, but the importance of good preparation never diminishes. It's the cornerstone of a safe and efficient cross-country journey.