Cross country flights for a private pilot in training is a little problematic if you do not know what you are doing. Flying across multiple airports will require you to have a set of skills in order for the flight to go smoothly and properly.

The secret to a successful cross country flight planning, you're flight would go smoothly if you put more effort at this stage which is from my point of view, more important than the actual execution of the flight. Planning begins with agreeing with your instructor on an appropriate trip. Next, the student and instructor will examine the VFR Sectional map of the region and choosing an exact route. The majority of flight routes is not straight lines, but instead tracks a series of way points.

As a rule, the planning part of a cross country flight should be at least a few days or even a week before the actual flight will occur. There are a lot of things you will consider but checking for the fuel and weather should be double checked a few hours from the flight. Another thing, always do your research of the destination and be adept at interpreting the maps and charts that you will be required to read.

You will be expected to diligently hold your planned heading and altitude, and to regularly crosscheck your location the actual trip will be quite different from many of your other flights around the airport. You will be expected to continue to execute your usual duties as pilot, which include scanning the instrument panel and scanning outside for other airplanes while calculating a new ETA of both your next way point and your destination. As a back for your own calculations, you can also use the radio and you your GPS navigation equipment. It never hurts to be safe and prepared with more information you can use as a reference.

Your cross country flight training is a very important factor in judging if you are worthy to pilot a plane into the air, this is a very necessary training must be able to do so you will be eligible to take and pass your checkride. The concept of planning before a flight can be applied not just to cross country, but every each and every other type of flight as well. Although experience may be the best teacher, learning from the experience of your CFI is a great way to learn too.

For more information on cross country flying and other private pilot related questions, check out Private Pilot 101.