Lesson 18: Night Cross-Country

Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 2.0, simulated instrument: 0.5

Objective: Introduce student to basics of navigation at night, and help to prepare the student for solo cross-country flight.

Discussion topics:

1. Sectional charts
2. Flight publications
3. Route selection and basic navigation procedures
4. Weather information
5. Fuel and performance requirements
6. Weight and balance
7. Navigation log
8. FAA flight plan
9. Cockpit management
10. Aeronautical decision making
11. Aeromedical factors
12. Night VFR fuel requirements

Review:

1. Emergency operations
2. Lost procedures
3. Night operations

Completion standards:

1. Demonstrate ability to safely perform a cross-country flight as the sole occupant of the airplane
2. Demonstrate complete flight planning skills
3. Altitude within 100 feet, airspeed within 10 knots, heading within 10 degrees

Suggested student homework assignments:

1. Read the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Advisor: Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots.
2. Read the January 27, 2006 AOPA ePilot Student Newsletter's Training Tips article "Solo Limitations."
3. Practice obtaining weather briefings and making go/no-go decisions based on the information provided.