13.16 Cross Country

These requirements are designed to prepare pilots for cross country. There are 3 Stages. Stages I and II are required for the Restricted Microlight Certificate, and all 3 stages required for the Microlight Certificate.

• Prior to undertaking solo cross country exercises candidate pilots will have gained passes in all examinations.

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

13.16.1 Cross Country - Stage I

Note: The student should be denied access to GNSS information during Elementary and Basic Cross country training to embed the principles of pilot navigation. An electronic map with the aircraft position symbol disabled or the use of paper map is recommended. 

• At least 1 hour dual flight instruction and 1 hour solo flight time. A triangular course with no out landing. 
• Preparation of charts and in-flight log, weather evaluation, NOTAM’s, fuel and oil requirements, fuel management, maintenance of heading and map reading.