Cross Country

Q: What defines a cross-country flight for private pilot purposes?

A flight that includes a landing at a point more than 50 NM straight-line distance from the original departure point.

Q: What publications must you reference during planning?

Sectional charts

Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD)

NOTAMs

Weather sources (METARs, TAFs, prog charts)

POH

FAR/AIM

Q: How do you determine true course?

By measuring the angle between your route and true north using a sectional chart and plotter.

Q: What is the difference between true heading and magnetic heading?

True heading: corrected for wind

Magnetic heading: true heading corrected for variation

Q: How does wind affect your groundspeed and heading?

Headwind → decreases GS

Tailwind → increases GS

Crosswind → requires WCA adjustment

Q: What happens if you underestimate a headwind?

Slower GS

Longer flight time

Increased fuel burn

Risk of fuel exhaustion

Q: How do you calculate fuel required?

Fuel flow (GPH) × time enroute + reserve (minimum 30 min VFR day, 45 min night)

Q: Where do you get fuel burn data?

From the POH performance charts.

Q: How does density altitude affect your cross-country planning?

Reduces climb performance

Increases takeoff distance

Reduces engine efficiency

May require route/altitude adjustments

Q: Why is checkpoint selection important?

For pilotage and situational awareness—easy-to-identify landmarks every 10-15 NM.

Q: What makes a good checkpoint?

Distinct

Easily visible

Not easily confused (e.g., lakes, highways, towers—not r

Q: How do you plan around controlled airspace?

Identify boundaries on sectional

Determine communication requirements

Plan altitudes/routes to avoid or comply

Q: You're flying toward Class C airspace—what must you do?

Establish two-way radio communication before entering.

Q: What is your cruising altitude selection based on?

Direction of flight (hemispherical rule)

Winds aloft

Terrain/obstacles

Airspace

Q: What are your personal minimums for cross-country planning?

(Example answer)

Visibility: ≥ 6 SM

Ceiling: ≥ 3000 ft

Winds: ≤ 15 knots / 10 crosswind

Fuel reserve: ≥ 1 hour

Q: What are common hazards in cross-country planning?

Weather deterioration

Fuel mismanagement

Airspace violations

Navigation errors

Pilot fatigue

Q: How do you mitigate fuel risk?

plan conservative burn

Add extra reserve

Identify fuel stops

Monitor fuel in flight

Q: What should you do if weather deteriorates enroute?

Divert early

Turn around

Land at nearest suitable airport

Q: What is "get-there-itis" and how does it affect planning?

A hazardous attitude causing poor decision-making and risk-taking to complete the flight.

Q: What are the three methods of navigation?

Pilotage

Dead reckoning

Electronic navigation (VOR/GPS)

Q: You are off course—what should you do?

Turn to last known point

Recalculate heading

Use GPS/VOR

Follow "5 Cs": Climb, Communicate, Confess, Comply, Conserve

Q: Why is dead reckoning important even with GPS?

Backup navigation in case of system failure.

Q: You planned a flight with a 10-knot headwind, but now it's 20 knots. What changes?

GS decreases

Time increases

Fuel required increases

May need fuel stop or diversion

Q: Halfway through your flight, your ETA is increasing beyond your fuel reserve—what do you do?

Immediately divert to nearest suitable airport.