Outline:

Introduction

Planning a first cross-country flight is a major milestone for student pilots. ForeFlight is a powerful tool that can make planning easier, but only when it is used with a clear workflow and good judgment. This session walks pilots through the complete cross-country planning process using ForeFlight, from setup to execution.

The focus is not just on which buttons to press, but why each step matters. Pilots learn how to combine ForeFlight tools with aeronautical decision-making, risk management, and instructor guidance to plan a safe and realistic VFR cross-country flight.

1. Getting ForeFlight Ready

   Summary:Before planning any flight, ForeFlight must be properly configured. Poor setup leads to poor planning outputs, even if the route looks correct on the map.

   • Ensure the ForeFlight subscription level supports planning tools such as Profile View and Hazard Advisor. (Pages 3–4) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Download all required charts, databases, and weather products before planning.

   • Confirm a reliable internet connection for briefings and updates.

   • Create an accurate aircraft profile under More → Profiles.

   • Input performance data so time, fuel, and climb calculations are realistic.

   ForeFlight is only as accurate as the data the pilot provides.

   
   

2. Understanding What ForeFlight Can and Cannot Do

   Summary:ForeFlight supports planning, but it does not replace pilot judgment or risk management. Knowing its limits prevents over-reliance.

   • ForeFlight does not choose the best route for you. (Page 5) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • It does not apply risk management automatically.

   • It does not account for personal minimums or experience level.

   • The pilot remains responsible for all decisions.

   • CFIs should reinforce ForeFlight as a tool, not a decision-maker.

   This mindset is critical for student pilots transitioning to solo cross-country flights.

   
   

3. Building the First Cross-Country Route

   Summary:Route selection starts with geography, airspace, terrain, and aircraft capability. ForeFlight allows pilots to visualize and refine these decisions.

   • Example route: KPAO (Palo Alto, CA) to KBIH (Bishop, CA) using a C172S. (Page 6) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Choose routes that balance terrain clearance, airspace avoidance, and landing options.

   • Select appropriate cruising altitudes based on terrain and winds.

   • Insert waypoints when planning altitude changes.

   • ForeFlight supports multiple tops of climb along one route. (Pages 9–10)

   Planning in segments improves accuracy and decision-making.

   
   

4. Weather Briefings and Profile View

   Summary:Weather analysis is one of the most important parts of cross-country planning. ForeFlight tools help visualize risk, but pilots must interpret the data.

   • Get a weather briefing through Flights → Briefing. (Pages 7–8) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Use Profile View first to analyze terrain, airspace, clouds, turbulence, and icing. (Page 11)

   • Default corridor width is 4 NM and can be adjusted.

   • Turn on relevant layers to build a complete weather picture.

   • Look for trends, not just single data points.

   Profile View helps pilots see problems before they become surprises.

   
   

5. Hazard Advisor and Obstacle Awareness

   Summary:Hazard Advisor is especially useful during planning for terrain and obstacle awareness, particularly in mountainous areas.

   • Activate Hazard Advisor via Maps → Layers. (Page 12) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Use the altitude slider to assess risk at different flight levels.

   • Obstacles appear yellow within 1,000 feet and red within 100 feet of the planned altitude.

   • Corridor width defaults to 4 NM.

   • This tool supports safer altitude selection and route refinement.

   Hazard Advisor is a planning aid, not a substitute for terrain clearance rules.

   
   

6. Route Visualization and Mental Rehearsal

   Summary:ForeFlight allows pilots to “fly” the route before departure. This builds situational awareness and reduces workload in flight.

   • Use the Fly Tool to simulate the route at 20x speed. (Pages 13–14) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Identify airspace transitions, terrain changes, and landmarks.

   • Use 3D View to study terrain and airport environments. (Page 15)

   • Review airport comments for real-world operational notes.

   • Mental rehearsal improves confidence and reduces task saturation.

   Visualization is a powerful training tool for new cross-country pilots.

   
   

7. NOTAMs, TFRs, and Long-Distance Planning Tools

   Summary:Long cross-country flights require broader situational awareness. ForeFlight provides layers that help pilots plan ahead.

   • Turn on TFR and NOTAM layers in the Maps tab. (Page 16) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Use Surface Analysis for large-scale weather planning. (Page 17)

   • Enable Traffic Layer to gauge airport congestion. (Page 18)

   • Use Wind Speed layers at planned altitudes. (Page 19)

   • These tools help pilots anticipate delays, turbulence, and fuel considerations.

   Planning beyond the immediate route improves decision-making.

   
   

8. Extra Features and Instructor Tips

   Summary:ForeFlight includes additional features that support legality, training, and situational awareness.

   • Airports tab provides sunrise, sunset, and civil twilight data. (Page 20) Creating your first XC flight w…

   • Night training can begin at end of civil twilight (FAR 61.1).

   • Passenger-carrying limits apply one hour after sunset (FAR 61.57).

   • Some airports include webcams for real-time conditions.

   • Customize map fields and disable unwanted chart actions. (Page 21)

   These features help CFIs connect ForeFlight to real regulatory requirements.