I am often asked how to do VFR flight planning. There are several steps necessary to be successful. With that in mind, this is the first in a series about VFR Flight Planning Steps. This video describes how to map the route, and since it is critical for passing a Private Pilot check ride, I focus on planning for Pilotage and Dead Reckoning.
Please be on the lookout for the next videos in this series.
00:00 The Scenario
01:09 What the heck are pilotage and dead reckoning?!?
01:42 The five steps of route planning. Step One. Direct To!
02:07 Step two. Finger flying!
03:15 Step three. Avoid any hazards
03:35 Step four. Any breaks?
03:49 Step five. What should I use for checkpoints?
04:35 I think we’ll use this many…
05:10 There you have it!
05:30 Bonuses!!
06:21 More to come!
Warning: The information provided in this video is for demonstration purposes only. The information and results cannot be used for an actual flight. To plan an actual flight, you will need to use the information in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, and the other documents associated with the specific airplane you fly.
Reference Links:
In addition to planning your route, you will need to understand weight and balance:
For Cessna Aircraft: https://youtu.be/zFU-y27O528
For Piper Archer Aircraft: https://youtu.be/QM7AbPii01g
Additionally, you’ll need to do some performance planning. These videos can help:
Calculating Pressure Altitude: https://youtu.be/KcisGhtIigE
Calculating Takeoff and Landing Distance: https://youtu.be/vpillpf0Qe4
Calculating Climb Performance: https://youtu.be/euXH4OqCu6s