You’ll never forget your first solo, but that first cross-country is a close second.
Your first solo flight? That’s a day you’ll never forget. But if there’s anything that comes close, it’s your first solo cross-country. This is where you really start to test your skills—flying further from home, navigating to unfamiliar airports, and managing everything on your own. In our training curriculum, students complete a solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles, with three full-stop takeoffs and landings at a towered airport. It’s a big deal, at least to a novice student pilot who can get extremely anxious.
It was an early Tuesday morning when my instructor and I arrived at the airport at 6:30 AM to go over the flight plan and answer any last-minute questions I had. The weather was clear, the forecast looked good, and it was time to preflight my trusty Skyhawk, N2135S
I’d be flying out of I69 (Clermont County Airport), and I was definitely feeling the nerves, double and triple-checking everything. Just to be safe, I grabbed a PJ2+ radio as a backup before heading out the door. I wanted to be ready for anything.
Leg 1: Clermont County Airport (I69) to Lexington, Kentucky (KLEX)
My first stop was KLEX (Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky). After takeoff, I contacted Cincinnati Approach:
“Cincinnati Approach, Student Pilot Skyhawk 2135S, four miles south of I69 with request.”
The reply came back quickly:
“Skyhawk 2135S, say request.”
“2135S requesting flight following to KLEX at 4,500.”
They gave me a squawk code and the altimeter setting, and with that, the flight was underway. That first call with ATC helped calm my nerves. After that, it was just me and the airplane. The next 20 minutes “flew” by, and before I knew it, I was on the lookout for Lexington.
That first call with ATC helped calm my nerves.
Finding KLEX
Finding a 7,000-foot runway seems easy, right? Not so much. Even with my GPS and ForeFlight tuned in, I scanned the horizon, and the airport wasn’t jumping out at me. I reminded myself to stay calm and keep flying the airplane, and sure enough, there it was, just west of the city.
I set up for a straight-in approach to Runway 22 about three miles out. Throttle back, mixture rich, and I started dialing in the flaps—10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees. Speed locked at 65 knots, I made a smooth touchdown right in the middle of the runway. Flaps up, throttle full, and I was airborne again.
Working the Pattern at KLEX
The tower at Lexington was a huge help. When I told them I was a student pilot, they slowed down their instructions and made everything crystal clear. I even had to fly a right-hand traffic pattern—something I rarely do. It threw me off a bit, and I drifted too far into final on my downwind leg. The tower came on the radio, calmly reminding me:
“2135S, please try to stay in downwind until I call your base next time.”
I acknowledged the mistake, corrected my pattern on the next lap, and kept improving with each circuit. The controllers were fantastic, patient, and encouraging, which made the whole experience much smoother.
Leg 2: KLEX to Fleming-Mason Airport (KFGX)
After wrapping things up in Lexington, it was time for the next leg—KFGX (Fleming-Mason Airport). By this point, my confidence was building, and finding Fleming-Mason was much easier. I’d flown there plenty of times with my instructor, and the familiar landmarks—the Ohio River, Maysville, Kentucky—made navigation a breeze. Another solid landing and it was time to head home.
Final Leg: Back to Clermont County Airport (I69)
Heading back to I69 felt like it should be the easiest part of the flight. After all, it’s home. But as any pilot knows, things in aviation are rarely that simple. As I approached the airport, I realized the traffic pattern was busy—really busy. I could hear multiple calls on the radio and saw the traffic stacking up on ForeFlight. There were two planes ahead of me in the pattern.
Drawing on what I’d learned from my instructors, I extended my downwind to give the planes ahead enough space to land and clear the runway. When it was finally my turn, I nailed the landing—a perfect greaser. I took a deep breath and let it sink in. I’d just completed my first solo cross-country.
As I approached the airport, I realized the traffic pattern was busy.
Key Takeaways from My Solo Cross-Country
Here’s what helped me succeed:
1.Flying the route with my instructor the day before gave me a huge confidence boost and helped me feel more prepared.
2.Staying ahead of the airplane: I made sure my radios were dialed in, my GPS set, and checklists complete. Organization in the cockpit is everything.
3.My instructor’s “cheat sheet” had all my radio calls pre-written, so I just had to fill in frequencies and squawk codes along the way. This was a lifesaver.
4.Tell ATC you’re a student pilot. It’s not a weakness, it’s smart. They’ll slow down their instructions and give you a bit more patience.
5.Trust your training. Your instructor wouldn’t sign you off if you weren’t ready. Trust yourself, trust your skills, and just fly the airplane.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I am sure one I’ll always look back on as a turning point in my aviation journey.
My instructor’s “cheat sheet” had all my radio calls pre-written, so I just had to fill in frequencies and squawk codes.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/05182422/rv-cross-country-scaled.jpg19202560Russell Hartleyhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngRussell Hartley2024-10-11 08:55:412024-10-07 16:28:25My first solo cross-country
Throughout your flight training, it’s likely that the flight school or FBO at the airport will take care of fueling your airplane before each flight. Even after you earn your certificate, it’s standard practice for FBO at your destination airport to fuel your airplane directly from a truck on the ramp after placing a fuel order.
Many airports offer a self-serve fuel option at a cheaper price per gallon, which can offer big savings for large fillups and serve as a plan B for fuel when landing after hours when the FBO is closed. The only tradeoff is that you have to do the fueling yourself. This week’s tip takes a look at how to operate a self-serve fuel system to ensure that your first time using one goes smoothly.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/09131613/Self-serve-fuel-1.png10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2024-10-09 10:00:562024-10-09 13:17:03Video tip – how to use aviation self-serve fuel facilities
Winds aloft, true course, heading and groundspeed. Can you put all the puzzle pieces together and plan a successful cross-country flight? Use this quiz to test your flight planning knowledge and see if you can get a perfect score.
Which statement about longitude and latitude is true?
Correct!Wrong!
An aircraft departs an airport in the central standard time zone at 0845 CST for a 2-hour flight to an airport located in the mountain standard time zone. The landing should be at what coordinated universal time?
Correct!Wrong!
How far will an aircraft travel in 2 minutes with a groundspeed of 120 knots?
Correct!Wrong!
When converting from true course to magnetic heading, a pilot should
Correct!Wrong!
Determine the approximate latitude and longitude of Currituck County Airport.
Correct!Wrong!
En route to First Flight Airport (KFFA), your flight passes over Hampton Roads Airport (KPVG) at 1455 and then 10 miles later over Chesapeake Regional (KCPK) at 1500. At what time should your flight arrive at First Flight?
Correct!Wrong!
Determine the magnetic course for a flight from Shoshone (S83) to Deer Park (KDEW). The wind is from 340° at 10 knots, and the true airspeed is 90 knots.
Editor’s Note: Whether you are a seasoned aviator or just embarking on your flying journey, exploring new destinations is one of the most thrilling parts of being a pilot. Sporty’s created a new digital guide takes this excitement to the next level by showcasing 50 fun flying destinations across the United States—Sportys.com/FunFlying. Enjoy these helpful tips for a successful weekend getaway from contributing author, Eric Carnahan.
You have earned your pilot’s certificate. You are ready to spread your wings for your first weekend getaway. This is part of the reason you learned to fly.
Weekend getaways are part of the fun of having a pilot certificate.
After you have decided on your destination, what should you concern yourself with other than the usual preflight planning?
First, what services does the FBO provide? There typically are fees to park overnight, but perhaps those fees are waived with a minimum fuel purchase. Investigate whether the entire fee is waived or just a portion.
For ground transportation, are rental cars available and will you be able to pick up and return the rental to the airport? If not, will the rental car company be able to pick you up and return you to the airport on your planned departure day? Or maybe an Uber or Lyft is all that is necessary.
How about fuel availability—is it full-service or self-service? Is the pump operational? NOTAMS may or may not have been published if the equipment is not operational. Have you ever used a self-serve pump? Depending on where you learned to fly, you may not have had to fuel the airplane. It is not difficult, but you may want to make sure that someone is at the airport who can assist if needed.
There is nothing like trying to depart on a Sunday morning and needing assistance when no one is around. The departure date or day of the week can make a difference. Check the FBO operating hours and emergency (after hours) phone number. I always plan for enough fuel to fly to another airport for fuel if something happens and I am not able to fuel up at the destination airport.
If it is an unattended airport you intend to visit, are tie-downs available? And not just the physical place to tie down, but the ropes or chains to secure the aircraft? If not, you may have to bring a tie-down kit along. Are hangars available if the weather becomes an issue, such as frost on a cool morning or if thunderstorms develop? Who would you call to have the aircraft moved if necessary?
Are hangars available if the weather becomes an issue?
You will typically be required to provide a credit card after arriving at the airport. If there is more than one FBO, do all accept general aviation aircraft? Is a reservation required for your arrival?
A phone call or email to the FBO can answer these questions before the flight, helping to eliminate any stress after you arrive. Make sure to have phone numbers for the FBO. Some FBOs want you to call ahead so they can move the aircraft closer to the terminal so that you don’t have to carry your luggage across the ramp to the plane.
Also, consider all of the available airports in the area you are flying into. The landing fees may be a little more expensive at a larger airport, but you may have better availability of a rental car and rates for the car may be cheaper.
Lastly, have a plan of what you will do if the weather will not let you depart as you planned. Even the best weather planning can change your planned departure.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/27141452/weekend-getaway-1.jpg720950Eric Carnahanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Carnahan2024-10-04 08:55:052024-10-10 10:42:51Flight planning for a weekend getaway
The electrical system is a critical component in today’s modern airplanes, distributing and supplying power to the lights, avionics and digital flight instruments. This week’s tip takes a look at the various elements that make up the electrical system in the popular Cessna 172 training airplane.
AOPA aims to highlight the best flight schools and instructors through the Flight Training Experience Awards.
Instructors and Flight Schools are invited to apply for regional or national awards. Applicants should ask for reviews from students, clients, instructors, and designated pilot examiners who have trained or worked with them during the previous 12 months. The selection process includes the screening of applications and judging by a panel of industry experts who will not know the identity of the candidates.
Awards in the regional category include Best Flight School, Best Instructor, Distinguished Flight Schools, and Distinguished Instructors. National awards include Best Flight School and Best Instructor.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18121835/aopa-awards-featured-image-1.jpg7201280Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-10-01 08:55:462024-09-18 12:18:58Apply for the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards
My first solo cross-country
/in Getting Started, Tips and technique/by Russell HartleyYou’ll never forget your first solo, but that first cross-country is a close second.
Your first solo flight? That’s a day you’ll never forget. But if there’s anything that comes close, it’s your first solo cross-country. This is where you really start to test your skills—flying further from home, navigating to unfamiliar airports, and managing everything on your own. In our training curriculum, students complete a solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles, with three full-stop takeoffs and landings at a towered airport. It’s a big deal, at least to a novice student pilot who can get extremely anxious.
It was an early Tuesday morning when my instructor and I arrived at the airport at 6:30 AM to go over the flight plan and answer any last-minute questions I had. The weather was clear, the forecast looked good, and it was time to preflight my trusty Skyhawk, N2135S
I’d be flying out of I69 (Clermont County Airport), and I was definitely feeling the nerves, double and triple-checking everything. Just to be safe, I grabbed a PJ2+ radio as a backup before heading out the door. I wanted to be ready for anything.
Leg 1: Clermont County Airport (I69) to Lexington, Kentucky (KLEX)
My first stop was KLEX (Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky). After takeoff, I contacted Cincinnati Approach:
“Cincinnati Approach, Student Pilot Skyhawk 2135S, four miles south of I69 with request.”
The reply came back quickly:
“Skyhawk 2135S, say request.”
“2135S requesting flight following to KLEX at 4,500.”
They gave me a squawk code and the altimeter setting, and with that, the flight was underway. That first call with ATC helped calm my nerves. After that, it was just me and the airplane. The next 20 minutes “flew” by, and before I knew it, I was on the lookout for Lexington.
That first call with ATC helped calm my nerves.
Finding KLEX
Finding a 7,000-foot runway seems easy, right? Not so much. Even with my GPS and ForeFlight tuned in, I scanned the horizon, and the airport wasn’t jumping out at me. I reminded myself to stay calm and keep flying the airplane, and sure enough, there it was, just west of the city.
I set up for a straight-in approach to Runway 22 about three miles out. Throttle back, mixture rich, and I started dialing in the flaps—10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees. Speed locked at 65 knots, I made a smooth touchdown right in the middle of the runway. Flaps up, throttle full, and I was airborne again.
Working the Pattern at KLEX
The tower at Lexington was a huge help. When I told them I was a student pilot, they slowed down their instructions and made everything crystal clear. I even had to fly a right-hand traffic pattern—something I rarely do. It threw me off a bit, and I drifted too far into final on my downwind leg. The tower came on the radio, calmly reminding me:
“2135S, please try to stay in downwind until I call your base next time.”
I acknowledged the mistake, corrected my pattern on the next lap, and kept improving with each circuit. The controllers were fantastic, patient, and encouraging, which made the whole experience much smoother.
Leg 2: KLEX to Fleming-Mason Airport (KFGX)
After wrapping things up in Lexington, it was time for the next leg—KFGX (Fleming-Mason Airport). By this point, my confidence was building, and finding Fleming-Mason was much easier. I’d flown there plenty of times with my instructor, and the familiar landmarks—the Ohio River, Maysville, Kentucky—made navigation a breeze. Another solid landing and it was time to head home.
Final Leg: Back to Clermont County Airport (I69)
Heading back to I69 felt like it should be the easiest part of the flight. After all, it’s home. But as any pilot knows, things in aviation are rarely that simple. As I approached the airport, I realized the traffic pattern was busy—really busy. I could hear multiple calls on the radio and saw the traffic stacking up on ForeFlight. There were two planes ahead of me in the pattern.
Drawing on what I’d learned from my instructors, I extended my downwind to give the planes ahead enough space to land and clear the runway. When it was finally my turn, I nailed the landing—a perfect greaser. I took a deep breath and let it sink in. I’d just completed my first solo cross-country.
As I approached the airport, I realized the traffic pattern was busy.
Key Takeaways from My Solo Cross-Country
Here’s what helped me succeed:
1.Flying the route with my instructor the day before gave me a huge confidence boost and helped me feel more prepared.
2.Staying ahead of the airplane: I made sure my radios were dialed in, my GPS set, and checklists complete. Organization in the cockpit is everything.
3.My instructor’s “cheat sheet” had all my radio calls pre-written, so I just had to fill in frequencies and squawk codes along the way. This was a lifesaver.
4.Tell ATC you’re a student pilot. It’s not a weakness, it’s smart. They’ll slow down their instructions and give you a bit more patience.
5.Trust your training. Your instructor wouldn’t sign you off if you weren’t ready. Trust yourself, trust your skills, and just fly the airplane.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I am sure one I’ll always look back on as a turning point in my aviation journey.
My instructor’s “cheat sheet” had all my radio calls pre-written, so I just had to fill in frequencies and squawk codes.
Video tip – how to use aviation self-serve fuel facilities
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeThroughout your flight training, it’s likely that the flight school or FBO at the airport will take care of fueling your airplane before each flight. Even after you earn your certificate, it’s standard practice for FBO at your destination airport to fuel your airplane directly from a truck on the ramp after placing a fuel order.
Many airports offer a self-serve fuel option at a cheaper price per gallon, which can offer big savings for large fillups and serve as a plan B for fuel when landing after hours when the FBO is closed. The only tradeoff is that you have to do the fueling yourself. This week’s tip takes a look at how to operate a self-serve fuel system to ensure that your first time using one goes smoothly.
This video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
Quiz: VFR Cross-Country Flight Planning
/in Quiz/by Chris ClarkeWinds aloft, true course, heading and groundspeed. Can you put all the puzzle pieces together and plan a successful cross-country flight? Use this quiz to test your flight planning knowledge and see if you can get a perfect score.
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Want to learn more about cross-country flight planning? Check out Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course for more in-depth training on this subject.
Flight planning for a weekend getaway
/in Tips and technique/by Eric CarnahanEditor’s Note: Whether you are a seasoned aviator or just embarking on your flying journey, exploring new destinations is one of the most thrilling parts of being a pilot. Sporty’s created a new digital guide takes this excitement to the next level by showcasing 50 fun flying destinations across the United States—Sportys.com/FunFlying. Enjoy these helpful tips for a successful weekend getaway from contributing author, Eric Carnahan.
You have earned your pilot’s certificate. You are ready to spread your wings for your first weekend getaway. This is part of the reason you learned to fly.
Weekend getaways are part of the fun of having a pilot certificate.
After you have decided on your destination, what should you concern yourself with other than the usual preflight planning?
First, what services does the FBO provide? There typically are fees to park overnight, but perhaps those fees are waived with a minimum fuel purchase. Investigate whether the entire fee is waived or just a portion.
For ground transportation, are rental cars available and will you be able to pick up and return the rental to the airport? If not, will the rental car company be able to pick you up and return you to the airport on your planned departure day? Or maybe an Uber or Lyft is all that is necessary.
How about fuel availability—is it full-service or self-service? Is the pump operational? NOTAMS may or may not have been published if the equipment is not operational. Have you ever used a self-serve pump? Depending on where you learned to fly, you may not have had to fuel the airplane. It is not difficult, but you may want to make sure that someone is at the airport who can assist if needed.
There is nothing like trying to depart on a Sunday morning and needing assistance when no one is around. The departure date or day of the week can make a difference. Check the FBO operating hours and emergency (after hours) phone number. I always plan for enough fuel to fly to another airport for fuel if something happens and I am not able to fuel up at the destination airport.
If it is an unattended airport you intend to visit, are tie-downs available? And not just the physical place to tie down, but the ropes or chains to secure the aircraft? If not, you may have to bring a tie-down kit along. Are hangars available if the weather becomes an issue, such as frost on a cool morning or if thunderstorms develop? Who would you call to have the aircraft moved if necessary?
Are hangars available if the weather becomes an issue?
You will typically be required to provide a credit card after arriving at the airport. If there is more than one FBO, do all accept general aviation aircraft? Is a reservation required for your arrival?
A phone call or email to the FBO can answer these questions before the flight, helping to eliminate any stress after you arrive. Make sure to have phone numbers for the FBO. Some FBOs want you to call ahead so they can move the aircraft closer to the terminal so that you don’t have to carry your luggage across the ramp to the plane.
Also, consider all of the available airports in the area you are flying into. The landing fees may be a little more expensive at a larger airport, but you may have better availability of a rental car and rates for the car may be cheaper.
Lastly, have a plan of what you will do if the weather will not let you depart as you planned. Even the best weather planning can change your planned departure.
Video tip: Cessna 172 electrical system
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeThe electrical system is a critical component in today’s modern airplanes, distributing and supplying power to the lights, avionics and digital flight instruments. This week’s tip takes a look at the various elements that make up the electrical system in the popular Cessna 172 training airplane.
This video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
Apply for the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffApplications accepted through October 31, 2024
Instructors and Flight Schools are invited to apply for regional or national awards. Applicants should ask for reviews from students, clients, instructors, and designated pilot examiners who have trained or worked with them during the previous 12 months. The selection process includes the screening of applications and judging by a panel of industry experts who will not know the identity of the candidates.
Awards in the regional category include Best Flight School, Best Instructor, Distinguished Flight Schools, and Distinguished Instructors. National awards include Best Flight School and Best Instructor.
Applications are being accepted online through October 31 at AOPA.org.