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VFR Navigation and Flight Planning

Published

The student should gain a working understanding of flight planning and the basics of navigation, including aeronautical charts and radio navaids.

Elements

  • terms
  • charts
  • navigation
  • planning

Resources

  • whiteboard and markers
  • current charts and AF/D
  • example flight log
  • tablet with ForeFlight or other EFB (optional)

Instructor actions

Explain the theory and fundamentals of flight planning in a guided discussion; have the student participate in the planning of a flight.

Student actions

Read assignment and come with a route chosen; for next flight, plan flight.

Completion Standards

Student can demonstrate the steps required for planning a flight, choosing proper waypoints and filing a mock flight plan.

Teaching outline

  • Basics
    • terms
    • charts - features, currency
    • weather considerations & go/no-go
  • Fundamentals
    • radio navigation
    • fuel consumption - calculation errors
  • Planning
    • route selection - checkpoints day/night
    • airport information - AF/D
    • alternates & lost procedures
    • course plotting
    • using a flight log - properly filled out
    • using a flight plan
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