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Planning the Big Trip

Tips from an instructor before you take that long summer cross-country flight

Traveling farther than you have before requires proper planning and preparation. [File photo: Shutterstock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Thoroughly prepare your aircraft for long-distance flights, ensuring it's equipped for potential night operations, carrying ample fuel beyond minimum requirements, and fully understanding any new avionics to prevent in-flight errors.
  • Prioritize comprehensive weather planning and awareness for the entire route, as deteriorating conditions and VFR into IMC are leading causes of accidents; be prepared for deviations and potential extended flight times.
  • Mitigate pilot-related risks by considering a flying partner to share the workload, breaking long trips into manageable segments, familiarizing yourself with updated navigation procedures, and making conservative decisions like overnighting to avoid fatigue.
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It’s approaching time of year when you might be thinking of taking that long trip you have envisioned. Sure, you have flown shorter cross-country flights before, but the trek that you have in mind won’t be like the old times. It’s easy to be biased about multiple things—your airplane, your ability, your experience—that will goad you into thinking this trip will play out like ones before, but these assumptions could be costly.

Planning a long flight alone may involve some additional risk. To combat any gaps in your knowledge, my first recommendation is to have a flying partner go along with you, even just for some company. Another pilot in the airplane can work the radios to reduce your work-load and help you stay alert. If you must go alone, de-pending on your level of comfort, break the trip up into multiple legs.

Michael Wildes

Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.

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