PA.I.D — Cross-Country Flight Planning

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

Knowledge

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.K2Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of the airplane, VFR cruising altitudes, and the 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 to include conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)
  • PA.I.D.K3cc. Fuel requirements, to include reserve
• PA.I.D.K4Elements of a VFR flight plan.
• PA.I.D.K5Procedures for activating and closing a VFR flight plan.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• 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.R6Improper fuel planning.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability 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; 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.