Things you do before a longish trip
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13,787
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From: EuroGA.org
My huge list was, as I said in there, for a long VFR overseas trip. That has got to be the worst possible scenario.
For a UK cross country, low-level VFR/IFR, typically under 2 hours, it would be:
Draw route on chart (chart is primary ref for CAS and terrain)
Plan in Navbox and print off a plog (zero wind), write a few frequencies on it
Notams
Weather (TAFs, METARs) and print them off and carry them, so the AAIB can find them on your body
Phone destination to make sure nobody has crashed on the runway, PPR, etc
Get in the plane, load route into KLN94
Switch on a backup GPS (showing CAA chart)
Fly.
Planning time perhaps 30 mins, assuming realtively unchallenging weather.
I do think more experienced pilots plan more thoroughly, but they get it done much quicker. I've seen people plan a flight from say Goodwood to Duxford (not a trivial route from the point of view of how much s**t will hit the fan if you make a mistake) and spend several hours on it. One could drive there much faster. I never fly somewhere where one can drive much faster.
Weather is the hardest thing, because of the lack of instrument approaches, and low level Class A. If I was limited to 100% legal VFR (no IMC) I'd give up flying!
For a UK cross country, low-level VFR/IFR, typically under 2 hours, it would be:
Draw route on chart (chart is primary ref for CAS and terrain)
Plan in Navbox and print off a plog (zero wind), write a few frequencies on it
Notams
Weather (TAFs, METARs) and print them off and carry them, so the AAIB can find them on your body
Phone destination to make sure nobody has crashed on the runway, PPR, etc
Get in the plane, load route into KLN94
Switch on a backup GPS (showing CAA chart)
Fly.
Planning time perhaps 30 mins, assuming realtively unchallenging weather.
I do think more experienced pilots plan more thoroughly, but they get it done much quicker. I've seen people plan a flight from say Goodwood to Duxford (not a trivial route from the point of view of how much s**t will hit the fan if you make a mistake) and spend several hours on it. One could drive there much faster. I never fly somewhere where one can drive much faster.
Weather is the hardest thing, because of the lack of instrument approaches, and low level Class A. If I was limited to 100% legal VFR (no IMC) I'd give up flying!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 5
From: Wor Yerm
Chaps, how about dumping the bloody GPS? Spend your time looking out of the window and using the map and clock? I've too often heard the appologies for the GPS packing up but never anybody saying sorry for their map. Less effort "naving" means more time enjoying the trip.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 0
From: Earth
Judging by your last "arrival", Mono, I guess you forgot the pack on that flight.
My medium/long (3-4hr+) flight check list:
Aircraft
Full aircraft check
Oil good
Fuel good
Clean windscreen
Me
Sober (and check again)
Contacted destination
General
Weather checked
NOTAM checked
Mobile phone on board (and switched ON)
Drinking water
Plentiful supply of batteries for GPS
Up to date chart
Someone knows my plans (usually my wife although I often wonder about her integrity if it all went tits up having seen the "bottom drawer" had been opened just after she found out about my EFATO in July 2004.......)
Airstrip surface ok
Spare oil
First Aid kit on board
Black bin liner (had to refrain from using condoms when I was 19)
Camera (in event of EFATO as below)
Here's one I did earlier. Guess the items I had ommitted for this result....
Last edited by Monocock; 27th January 2006 at 20:30.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: UK
Log onto the BA website. Book flight. turn up to the airport......
Draw a line on a chart (quarter mil), Look for conspicuous land marks and line features along the route and highlight them. Write the frequencies that might be needed on the chart. Draw up a PLOG with tracks and distances. Check flight guides and mark pages with yellow stickies. Sleep well.
Next morning, check NOTAMS and weather. Complete PLOG and write headings and timings on chart. Phone ahead for PPR and local brief. Recheck chart and fold it properly. Go.
Draw a line on a chart (quarter mil), Look for conspicuous land marks and line features along the route and highlight them. Write the frequencies that might be needed on the chart. Draw up a PLOG with tracks and distances. Check flight guides and mark pages with yellow stickies. Sleep well.
Next morning, check NOTAMS and weather. Complete PLOG and write headings and timings on chart. Phone ahead for PPR and local brief. Recheck chart and fold it properly. Go.
Last edited by Droopystop; 27th January 2006 at 21:50.
