Private Pilot Syllabus Section 7

7A - Cross-Country Flight Management

Learn Procedures for Planning a Cross-Country Flight

  • 4½
  • 3
  • 0

Assignments

Activities

  • Create account at 1-800-WX-BRIEF
  • Full cross-country weather analysis session
  • First full weather briefing

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • knows the size, shape, and operating rules for all airspaces.
  • is able to read and interpret every symbol that appears on sectional charts.
  • is able to use the Chart Supplement to determine airport information.
  • is able to obtain and understand current NOTAMs.
  • is able to select an appropriate route, factoring in terrain, airspace, and navigation issues.
  • is able to obtain a preflight weather briefing, interpret aviation weather reports and forecasts, and make a go/no-go decision based on weather.

7B - First Cross-Country Mission

Take Your First Flight Focused on Cross-Country Flight Management

  • 1½
  • 3
  • 2

Reference

Activities

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • can follow a charted course using pilotage.
  • can initiate and receive VFR radar traffic advisories from ATC.
  • understands radio communication procedures for cross-country flights.
  • can collect flight time and fuel burn information on a cross-country flight.
  • knows what chart references would make good route waypoints and be easily recognizable from the air.
  • can determine which flight tasks are best done at waypoints, and what tasks are better done in between waypoints.

7C - Bay Area Flight Challenges

Leverage In-Flight Resources Outside of the Cockpit 

  • 3½
  • 5
  • 2

Assignments

Activities

  • Fly the Gauntlet to RHV and back
  • Fly a classic SF Bay Tour through Class B and C airspace

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • is able to handle the tower-to-tower radio communications for flying the Gauntlet to RHV and back.
  • understands the radio communication and entry requirements for operation in class B and C airspace.
  • is able to handle all radio communications for flying a Bay Tour.

7D - Cross-Country to Non-Towered Airports

Approaching and Operating at Non-Towered Airports 

  • 2½
  • 3½
  • 2

Reference

Assignments

Activities

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • can safely navigate to and from a non-towered airport.
  • follows appropriate procedures for determining wind direction, runway to use, and pattern entry at a non-towered airport.
  • makes appropriate CTAF radio calls and position reports.
  • follows all airport procedures.
  • is able to safely refuel an airplane at another airport.