Blog 24: Flight Planning Basics – Weather, Charts, and Checkpoints

Aalisha Sugur
May 10
2 min read

“Proper flight planning is your roadmap and shield — it guides your journey and guards against the unexpected.” — Aalisha, Student Pilot | Princeton Flying School

Flight planning felt like one of those tasks I needed to get through early in training before real flying could begin. But as I spent more time with charts, weather briefings, and navigation tools, I realized that solid planning is what turns a good flight into a great, safe one.

In this post, I’ll share my approach to basic flight planning, focusing on understanding weather impacts, utilizing charts effectively, and choosing checkpoints for reliable navigation.

Weather: The First Piece of the Puzzle

Weather conditions dictate if a flight can be safely completed.

Weather Sources: I always start with official briefings from aviationweather.gov, then check METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs.
Key Parameters: Visibility, wind direction and speed, cloud ceilings, temperature, and precipitation can all affect flight safety and comfort.
Alternate Planning: Always pick alternate airports with better weather just in case. I learned that flexibility is key with weather’s unpredictability.

Using Charts for Route and Airspace

Charts are more than maps—they’re detailed guides.

Sectional Charts: Show terrain, airspace boundaries, airports, and navigation aids.
Airport Diagrams: Familiarize yourself with taxiways, runways, and lighting.
Airspace Awareness: Identifying controlled airspace on charts helps avoid airspace violations.

Checkpoints: The Pilot’s Milestones

Choosing visual checkpoints is crucial for VFR navigation.

Selecting Checkpoints: Roads, rivers, towers, and notable terrain features make good checkpoints.
Estimating Distances and Times: Measure the distance between checkpoints and estimate speeds to stay on track.
Cross-Checking: I use GPS or flight instruments to verify position alongside visual checkpoints.

My Flight Planning Workflow

Review Weather and Notices: Confirm safe conditions and identify hazards.
Plot Course: Mark checkpoints on sectional or digital charts.
Calculate Distances: Find total miles, fuel burn, and update time estimates.
Communications Planning: Note important frequencies and ATC sectors.
Print or Create Navigation Logs: I like to have a clear, simple paper or electronic copy to reference in flight.

Tips That Made a Difference for Me

Double-check all weather reports multiple times before departure.
Take time to understand chart symbols and legends—they reveal a lot of important info.
Use smartphone or tablet apps for real-time data and backup navigation.
Practice route planning on the ground and simulate flights mentally.