Blog 8: Flight Planning Basics – Weather, Charts, and Checkpoints
- Aalisha Sugur
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
“A safe flight starts long before the wheels leave the ground — it begins with thoughtful, thorough planning.”— Aalisha, Student Pilot | Princeton Flying School
Introduction: Planning with Purpose
Flight planning isn’t just a checkbox in your preflight checklist — it’s a skillset that saves time, money, and lives. Whether you're going for a local hop or your first cross-country solo, understanding how to plan a VFR flight using weather data, sectional charts, fuel calculations, and airspace analysis is essential.
This guide walks you through the core elements of VFR flight planning based on FAA requirements and real-world best practices.
FAA Requirement – Know Before You Go
According to FAR 91.103, each pilot must become familiar with:
Weather reports and forecasts
Fuel requirements
Alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed
Known ATC delays
Runway lengths at airports of intended use
Takeoff and landing distance data
Step-by-Step Flight Planning Process
1. Choose Your Route
Use a VFR sectional chart (paper or digital like ForeFlight)
Mark waypoints at 10–15 nm intervals (e.g., water towers, roads, cities)
Stay clear of Class B/C airspace unless you’re cleared
2. Calculate Distance and Time
Use the plotter for nautical miles between checkpoints
Calculate estimated time using groundspeed (GS = TAS ± wind)
Use an E6B Flight Computer or app for wind correction angle
3. Determine Fuel Requirements
Calculate total fuel burn based on gallons/hour (check POH)
Day VFR: 30 min reserve (45 min for night VFR)
Add extra for climb, diversions, holding
4. Weather Briefing
Check updated aviation weather via:
ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot
Key Weather Products:
METARs: Hourly observations (for departure & destination)
TAFs: Terminal area forecasts (valid 24–30 hours)
NOTAMs: Notices for airport/runway closures or TFRs
AIRMETs/SIGMETs: Weather hazards
5. Check Airspace & Frequencies
Review each leg for Class B, C, D, MOAs, restricted zones
Highlight CTAF, tower, approach, FSS, and ATIS frequencies
6. Aircraft Performance & W&B
Use POH performance charts (takeoff roll, density altitude, climb)
Calculate takeoff/landing distances based on runway surface and temp
Verify center of gravity (CG) is within limits
7. Fill Out a Navigation Log
Checkpoint names, distances, headings
Estimated and actual times
Fuel burned and remaining
Tools That Make It Easier
ForeFlight – Complete planning + in-flight GPS nav
SkyVector – Free VFR/IFR chart overlay and route planning
CloudAhoy – Flight debriefing with GPS data
Tips for First-Time Planners
Start by planning a local 50 nm flight to build confidence
Cross-check your route with sectional chart and NOTAMs
Use winds aloft forecasts to correct your headings
Have a backup plan and alternate airports noted
Call 1-800-WX-BRIEF for a standard weather briefing
Flight Planning Checklist (Downloadable Version Coming Soon)
☐ Sectional chart marked with route
☐ Weather briefing obtained
☐ NOTAMs checked
☐ Frequencies noted
☐ Performance calculations complete
☐ Fuel requirements and reserves confirmed
☐ Nav log completed
☐ E6B + plotter ready
Helpful Resources
Final Thoughts: Plan Like a Pro
Every safe flight begins with deliberate preparation. The best pilots plan carefully, anticipate problems, and stay flexible. Master the fundamentals of flight planning now, and you’ll fly smarter, safer, and more confidently in every phase of flight.
🛩️ Plan smart,
Aalisha
Student Pilot | Drone Certified
Future PPL | Aviation Blogger
Comments