Objective:To introduce the pilot to planning and executing a daytime cross-country flight to the commercial pilot skill level. This flight must be at least 2 hours in duration, a total straight-line distance of more than 100 NM from the original point of departure, and occur in daytime conditions.

Text References:Commercial Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep (FM); Pilot Handbook (PH); Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)

Content

1. Flight Lesson 18 complete? Yes Copy of lesson placed in pilot’s folder? Yes

2. Preflight briefing

3. Review items

Certificates and documents - FM 68-71

Performance and limitations - FM 102-105; POH-2, 5, 6

Aeromedical factors - FM 111-116

Aeronautical decision making (ADM) - PH 343-349

Cockpit management - FM 123-126

Radio communications and ATC light signals - FM 150-152

Airport, runway, and taxiway signs, markings, and lighting - FM 160-167

Runway incursion avoidance - FM 139-143

Soft-field takeoff and climb - FM 197-202; POH-4

Soft-field approach and landing - FM 203-207; POH-4

Short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb - FM 208-214; POH-4

Short-field approach and landing - FM 215-221; POH-4

Systems and equipment malfunctions - FM 321-322; POH-3, 9

Straight-and-level (IR) - CFI

Constant airspeed climbs and descents (IR) - CFI

Turns to a heading (IR) - CFI

Recovery from unusual attitudes (IR) - CFI

Partial panel flying (IR) - CFI

Intercepting and tracking navigational systems (IR) - CFI

4. New items

Weather information - FM 77-91

Cross-country flight planning - FM 92-94

National Airspace System - FM 95-101

Open a flight plan - CFI

Pilotage and dead reckoning - FM 270-274

Magnetic compass turns - FM 272-274; PH 96-101

Navigation systems - FM 275-276; PH 481-514

ATC radar services - PH 199-201

Diversion - FM 277-279

Lost procedures - FM 280-282

Closing a flight plan - CFI

Additional items at CFI’s discretion

5. Postflight critique and preview of next lesson

NOTE: This lesson may be completed under VFR or IFR at the discretion of the flight instructor and/or chief flight instructor, as appropriate.

Completion Standards

The lesson will have been successfully completed when the pilot is able to plan and conduct a daytime cross-country flight. The pilot will be able to maintain altitude, ±100 ft.; heading, ±10°; and the desired airspeed, ±10 kt. Additionally, the pilot will be able to verify the airplane’s position within 2 NM of the flight planned route at all times.