We all know that thorough preflight planning makes for safer, easier flights. If you’re flying VFR, an important component of preflight planning is getting to know your destination airport. But there are times when unforecast weather conditions or, worse, a malfunction of some kind may prevent you from continuing to the airport you originally planned for. In these cases, you need to divert to an airport you likely did not study before you took off, and you need to quickly gather information about the new destination. Practicing diversions regularly will lower the stress when a critical situation warrants a diversion.
Next time you’re flying from one airport to another, or even if you are just out for a joyride, pretend that you suddenly need to divert to an airport you don’t visit regularly. Use your GPS or chart to help find the nearest airport. First, make sure the runway length gives you a good margin of safety. If the longest runway doesn’t provide a safe distance, look for other landing options. You should also make sure the airport has the services you may require before you start heading in that direction.
