PRE FLIGHT PREP (VFR NAV)

“A great flight always starts on the ground.”

Preflight preparation is an essential preliminary to all flights, one that the ATO where I completed my CPL training was especially thorough.

Our SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) had us follow a ‘Navigational Flight Checklist’ in which all boxes had to be ticked before dispatch would approve our flight.

First of all, as part of the AIS Briefing, we would check and print all relevant en-route airport AIPs. Once printed, we would organise them neatly in our kneeboards, in order to have all information readily available throughout the flight. The following would typically be found in my kneeboard:

• Airport Diagrams

An AIP is a publication issued by the authority/state & contains aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation (ICAO ANNEX 15).

• Visual Operation Chart
• VFR departure/arrival routes
• Relevant NOTAMS (important info highlighted with yellow marker)

• Weather (GAMET, METAR, TAF, AIRMET, SIGWxChart.)

• A ‘Flight Approval’ document was given to us which we had to fill out and sign.

• A Flight Plan document which we had to file via email, and then call via telephone to check whether or not it had been accepted.

• En-Route Charts, with our VFR Nav drawn with a permanent marker.
  (Pro Tip; Get the Black Staedtler Lumocolor ‘F’. It’s thin and hard to rub out.)

On the En-Route VFR Chart we had to annotate Trackline, Timeline, W/V, track, time, distance, and any radials from VORs to identify an en-route waypoint. Have Radio Frequencies and Phone Numbers (handling, tower, AIS, FIS, fuel, duty officer) prepared. Highlight in AIP.

Radio frequencies should be annotated/highlighted both on your VFR Sectional Chart as well as in your AIP Docs.

Prepare procedures in case of radio failure and interception.

Prepare checklists and check the airplane TECH LOG. Ensure that all performance, fuel and Mass&Balance calculations are prepared.

Carry the following documents in your flight bag:

• Flight Crew License
• Medical Certificate
• Personal ID
• Any other documents needed in case of inspection.

Initially, the pre flight preparation was more time consuming than the actual flight, but just like anything else you eventually get a hang of it.