Weather
While it's important to obtain a briefing and check the weather before flying in the traffic pattern, the atmosphere and its influence on your flight become even more significant as you embark on longer cross-country odysseys.

Weather basics
Weather map basics
The weather briefing
Weather on the Web
NASA online weather tutorial

Airspace and aeronautical charts
As you begin to fly cross-country, you'll leave the familiar environs of your home airport and venture into new areas — and possibly even new types of airspace. The best way to keep up with airspace issues is by using a current chart. Although the VFR sectional chart is the de facto standard here, you do have some options, which offer a smaller or larger scale.

Aeronautical charts
Airport/Facility Directory

Content from the NACO Aeronautical Chart User's Guide
Introduction (Online version) / (PDF version)
VFR aeronautical chart symbols (Online version) / (PDF version)

Weight and balance
Although you learned some basics about weight and balance before you soloed, the subject assumes increased importance as you begin to fly cross-country. Will the weight lost as you burn fuel be accompanied by a shift in center of gravity? Your calculations will tell you.

FAA Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook FAA-H-8083-1
(Online version) / (PDF version)

Avionics and instruments
Your cross-country flying might be accompanied by the introduction of new aircraft equipment, like global positioning system (GPS) navigation receivers — if not, you'll likely meet them soon. Review additional information on the topic, including downloadable GPS simulators that you can use on your personal computer to help master the operation of a new or unfamiliar GPS navigator.

Downloadable GPS simulators, documentation from manufacturers
Autopilot basics