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Lesson 7.5 – Charts, Route Selection & Flight Plan Filing
The final step in flight planning is selecting a safe and practical route and, when appropriate, filing a VFR flight plan. These skills are tested on the Private Pilot knowledge exam and used on every cross-country flight.
Reference:
FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 16 – Navigation
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapters 5
FAA Chart Supplement and Sectional Chart Legend
Route Selection
Route Selection
When choosing a VFR route, consider:
Terrain and obstacles – Avoid high terrain, towers, and restricted areas when possible.
Airspace – Note Class B, C, D, and special-use airspace that may require communication or clearance.
Airports along the route – Suitable airports for fuel, landing, or emergencies.
Checkpoints – Prominent landmarks for pilotage.
Weather – Favor routes with better weather and acceptable winds.
Fuel and performance – Ensure the route allows adequate fuel reserves and that performance is sufficient for the elevation and expected density altitude.
A good route is direct when practical, but may include slight deviations for safety, weather, or easier navigation.
Using Sectional Charts for Planning
Using Sectional Charts for Planning
Measure true course and distance with a plotter.
Note airspace boundaries, frequencies, and special-use airspace.
Identify checkpoints and measure distances between them.
Check for terrain elevation and obstacles.
Apply magnetic variation to convert true course to magnetic course.
Record the information on a navigation log.
VFR Flight Plans
VFR Flight Plans
Filing a VFR flight plan is not required by regulation for most VFR flights, but it is strongly recommended. A flight plan provides search-and-rescue protection if you do not arrive as planned.
How to file:
File with Flight Service (by phone, website, or app) or through an EFB that links to Flight Service.
Give the required information: aircraft identification, type, departure point, route, destination, estimated time en route, fuel on board, number of people on board, etc.
Activate the flight plan when you depart (or request activation through Flight Service).
Close the flight plan after you land. Failing to close a flight plan can trigger unnecessary search-and-rescue procedures.
Practical Planning Sequence
Practical Planning Sequence
Check weather and NOTAMs.
Select a safe route considering airspace, terrain, and airports.
Measure courses and distances on the sectional chart.
Complete weight-and-balance and performance calculations.
Compute headings, groundspeeds, times, and fuel requirements.
Fill out a navigation log.
File a VFR flight plan (recommended).
Review the plan and brief any passengers.
Key Points for the Written Exam
Key Points for the Written Exam
Choose routes that consider terrain, airspace, weather, and available airports.
Use the sectional chart and plotter to measure true courses and distances, then apply variation.
Filing a VFR flight plan is not usually required but is strongly recommended for search-and-rescue purposes.
Always close your flight plan after landing.
A complete flight plan includes weight-and-balance, performance, fuel, weather, and navigation data.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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