CA.I.DFAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023
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.
Bottom line
For flights not in the vicinity of an airport, this must include information on available current weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which the PIC has been advised by ATC.
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-17) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- 14 CFR 91.151 (Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-12) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
Knowledge
- CA.I.D.K1: Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and
- CA.I.D.K1a: a. Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used
- CA.I.D.K2: Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, VFR cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.
- CA.I.D.K3: Calculating:
- CA.I.D.K3a: a. Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed
- CA.I.D.K3b: b. Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)
- CA.I.D.K3c: c. Fuel requirements, including reserve
- CA.I.D.K4: Elements of a VFR flight plan.
- CA.I.D.K5: Procedures for filing, activating, and closing a VFR flight plan.
- CA.I.D.K6: Inflight intercept procedures.
Risk management
- CA.I.D.R1: Pilot.
- CA.I.D.R2: Aircraft.
- CA.I.D.R3: Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
- CA.I.D.R4: External pressures.
- CA.I.D.R5: Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.
- CA.I.D.R6: Fuel planning.
- CA.I.D.R7: Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
Skills
- CA.I.D.S1: Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis based on real-time weather, t
- CA.I.D.S2: Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative t
- CA.I.D.S3: Create a navigation log and prepare a VFR flight plan.
- CA.I.D.S4: Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.
- CA.I.D.S5: Use an electronic flight bag (EFB), if applicable.
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