### Introduction The crux of cross-country planning is choosing a route, which includes waypoints, altitudes, and estimates of time and fuel consumption.  In this lesson we'll talk about all the considerations in choosing a route.  We'll also talk about radio navigation aids (such as VORs and GPS), some onboard radio equipment, understanding the autopilot, and the ATC services available en route. **Pre-Lesson Reading/Homework:** [[~ PPL Pre-Lesson Reading]] **Builds On:** [[PPL2.2 Navigation Charts, National Airspace System, and Intro to FARs]] **Schedule:** Ground 2.0 hr, Sim 1.0 hr ### Lesson Elements > [!info]- Structure of XC Lessons... > Lessons [[PPL4.2 Advanced Airport Operations|PPL4.2]], [[PPL4.3 Flight Planning, Navigation Systems, and Other XC Equipment|PPL4.3]], [[PPL4.4 Aircraft Performance and Weight+Balance|PPL4.4]], [[PPL4.5 Advanced Weather Briefs and Preflight Planning|PPL4.5]], & [[PPL4.6 Pilotage and Dead Reckoning|PPL4.6]] can be thought of as building out each part of a flight plan. > > ![[XC Syllabus Topics On Flight Plan.pdf]] 1. Planning a cross-country route 1. Charting a [[Course]]: [[Sectional Chart with Checkpoints.svg]], considering: 1. Hazards and terrain along the course 2. Airspaces to avoid 3. Good engine-out options 4. Passenger comfort 2. Choosing checkpoints 1. The best checkpoints can be verified visually, and seem from a distance if you're off course 3. Choosing altitude 1. High enough to avoid obstacles 2. Higher altitudes can have smoother air, or better fuel efficiency 3. Headwinds and tailwinds generally increase speed at higher altitude 4. Day-of considerations 1. Winds aloft may favor different course/altitude 2. Clouds, ice, turbulence, etc may influence course/altitude 2. [[Navigation Systems]] 3. [[Radar Services]] and assistance available 4. [[Autopilot Systems and Usage]] 1. preflight 2. single/dual axis ### Completion Standards Client should develop knowledge of navigation equipment on board their training aircraft. Client should be familiar with services available from ATC, and know how and when to request assistance. ### Resources - [[Private Pilot ACS]] Section VI.B - Manuals for all installed equipment in the plane ### Required Homework None ### Recommended Homework None *Return to [[~ PPL Lesson Plan Outline|Table of Contents]]^*