PPL Checkride Guide
← Area I. Preflight Preparation

Task I.D

Cross-Country Flight Planning

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with cross-country flights and VFR flight planning.

Note: Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts

Knowledge10 elements

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.I.D.K1Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities.
  • PA.I.D.K1aa. Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used
  • PA.I.D.K2Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, VFR cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.
  • PA.I.D.K3Calculating:
  • PA.I.D.K3aa. Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed
  • PA.I.D.K3bb. Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)
  • PA.I.D.K3cc. Fuel requirements, including reserve
  • PA.I.D.K4Elements of a VFR flight plan.
  • PA.I.D.K5Procedures for filing, activating, and closing a VFR flight plan.
  • PA.I.D.K6Inflight intercept procedures.
Risk Management7 elements

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.I.D.R1Pilot.
  • PA.I.D.R2Aircraft.
  • PA.I.D.R3Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
  • PA.I.D.R4External pressures.
  • PA.I.D.R5Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.
  • PA.I.D.R6Fuel planning.
  • PA.I.D.R7Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
Skills5 elements

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.I.D.S1Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis based on real-time weather, to the first fuel stop.
  • PA.I.D.S2Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative to airport, runway and taxiway closures; and other flight publications.
  • PA.I.D.S3Create a navigation plan and simulate filing a VFR flight plan.
  • PA.I.D.S4Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.
  • PA.I.D.S5Use an electronic flight bag (EFB), if applicable.

Overview

Study notes for Cross-Country Flight Planning are coming soon. The official ACS elements for this task are listed above — use them as your checklist while the full study guide is being written.

Key Knowledge

Content coming soon.

Common DPE Questions

Content coming soon.

References

14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts