IR.I.CFAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023
Cross-Country Flight Planning
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with planning an IFR cross-country and filing an IFR flight plan. Note: Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option.
Bottom line
To begin planning, gather all the necessary charts and materials, and verify everything is current. For flight planning purposes, weather information must be reviewed in order to determine the necessity and suitability of alternate airports.
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-17) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-28) — FAA-H-8083-15B
- IPH ch. 4 (p. 4-6) — FAA-H-8083-16B
- 14 CFR 91.169 (IFR flight plan: Information required.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
Knowledge
- IR.I.C.K1: Route planning, including consideration of:
- IR.I.C.K1a: a. Available navigational facilities
- IR.I.C.K1b: b. Special use airspace
- IR.I.C.K1c: c. Preferred routes
- IR.I.C.K1d: d. Primary and alternate airports
- IR.I.C.K1e: e. Enroute charts
- IR.I.C.K1f: f. Chart Supplements
- IR.I.C.K1g: g. NOTAMS
- IR.I.C.K1h: h. Terminal Procedures Publications (TPP)
- IR.I.C.K2: Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, IFR cruising altitudes, effect of wind, and oxygen requ
- IR.I.C.K3: Calculating:
- IR.I.C.K3a: a. Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed
- IR.I.C.K3b: b. Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)
- IR.I.C.K3c: c. Fuel requirements, including reserve
- IR.I.C.K4: Elements of an IFR flight plan.
- IR.I.C.K5: Procedures for activating and closing an IFR flight plan in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
Risk management
- IR.I.C.R1: Pilot.
- IR.I.C.R2: Aircraft.
- IR.I.C.R3: Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
- IR.I.C.R4: External pressures.
- IR.I.C.R5: Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.
- IR.I.C.R6: Limitations of electronic planning applications and programs.
- IR.I.C.R7: Fuel planning.
Skills
- IR.I.C.S1: Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator including a risk analysis based on real time weather, wh
- IR.I.C.S2: Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.
- IR.I.C.S3: Create a navigation plan and simulate filing an IFR flight plan.
- IR.I.C.S4: Interpret departure, arrival, en route, and approach procedures with reference to appropriate and current charts.
- IR.I.C.S5: Recognize simulated wing contamination due to airframe icing and demonstrate knowledge of the adverse effects of airframe icing during pre-t
- IR.I.C.S6: Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative t
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