✈️ Task D – Cross-Country Flight Planning

ACS Code: PA.I.D
Objective: Ensure the applicant demonstrates knowledge, risk management, and skills required to plan and conduct a VFR cross-country flight consistent with FAA regulations and practical decision-making.

References:
14 CFR §§ 61.113, 91.103, 91.119, 91.151, 91.159
FAA-H-8083-25B (PHAK), FAA-H-8083-3C (AFH), FAA-H-8083-27A, AIM, Sectional Chart, Chart Supplement, AC 61-23C, AC 90-66B

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📘 PA.I.D.K1 – Route Planning and Navigation Log

• Plan an efficient route using:
  • Sectional charts and FAA publications
  • Avoidance of terrain, special use airspace, TFRs, congested areas
  • Appropriate checkpoints for timing, position verification, and situational awareness
• Create a detailed navigation log including:
  • Compass heading, magnetic variation, true course
  • Distance between checkpoints
  • Estimated time enroute (ETE)
  • Groundspeed based on wind forecasts
  • Fuel burn at each leg

✅ Remember: Preflight action per §91.103 must include:
N.W.K.R.A.F.T.

• NOTAMs
• Weather (current and forecast)
• Known traffic delays (ATC)
• Runway lengths at airports of intended use
• Alternates available
• Fuel requirements
• Takeoff and landing distance data

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📘 PA.I.D.K2 – Altitude Selection

• Select altitudes based on:
  • Obstacle clearance along the route (terrain elevation + 1,000–2,000 ft buffer)
  • Aircraft performance and best engine efficiency (consult cruise tables)
  • Glide distance: Know your aircraft’s glide ratio (e.g., 9:1 = 9 NM per 6,000 ft AGL) and use it to ensure reachability of emergency fields
  • Weather avoidance: Fly above haze, low ceilings, turbulence
  • VFR minimum altitudes per §91.119
    • Congested areas: At least 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 2,000 ft
    • Non-congested areas: Minimum 500 ft AGL
    • Over open water/sparsely populated: Remain 500 ft from any person, vehicle, or structure
  • Wind aloft: Use favorable tailwinds, avoid strong headwinds

✅ VFR Cruising Altitudes – §91.159
When flying above 3,000 ft AGL:

Magnetic Course	Altitude Rule	Examples
000° to 179°	Odd thousands + 500 ft	3,500 / 5,500 ft
180° to 359°	Even thousands + 500 ft	4,500 / 6,500 ft

🧠 This “hemispheric rule” is designed for traffic separation and must be applied based on your magnetic course, not your heading.

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📘 PA.I.D.K3 – Performance and Fuel Planning

• Use POH/AFM charts for:
  • Takeoff and landing distances (considering weight, density altitude, wind, runway surface)
  • Climb, cruise, and descent performance
  • Fuel consumption at selected power settings
  • Weight and balance within CG limits for both departure and arrival

✅ Fuel Reserve – §91.151:

• Day VFR: Enough fuel to reach destination + 30 minutes
• Night VFR: Destination + 45 minutes
• Add a margin for diversions, delays, and headwinds

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📘 PA.I.D.K4 – Elements of a VFR Flight Plan

🗺 A VFR flight plan includes:

• Aircraft ID and type
• Departure/destination airports
• Alternate airport(s)
• Route and cruising altitude
• True airspeed
• Estimated time enroute (ETE)
• Fuel onboard (in hours)
• Number of souls onboard
• Emergency equipment carried

✅ Filed flight plans are stored with FSS (Flight Service Station) but must be manually activated after takeoff and closed upon arrival.

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📘 PA.I.D.K5 – Filing, Activating, and Closing a VFR Flight Plan

• Filing:
  • Via 1-800-WX-BRIEF (phone or online)
  • Through aviation apps (e.g., ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot)
• Activating:
  • Contact FSS on 122.2 MHz or appropriate frequency after takeoff
  • Provide departure time and position
  • Or use your EFB app with cellular signal
• Closing:
  • Call FSS after landing
  • Close via EFB if feature is available

🧠 Failing to close your plan will initiate search and rescue 30 minutes after ETA.

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📘 PA.I.D.K6 – Inflight Intercept Procedures

✈️ Know how to respond if intercepted by military or law enforcement aircraft:

• Rock wings = Acknowledge
• Follow leading aircraft if directed
• Tune 121.5 MHz, squawk 7700
• Comply with all maneuvers and communications

✅ Intercept signal review (AIM 5-6-13):

Signal	Meaning	Your Action
Rocking wings	You are intercepted	Rock wings back
Shallow turn	Follow the leader	Comply and land as directed
Flares	Immediate compliance	Land or divert ASAP

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