VFR Guide - Royal Institute of Navigation

5. Final planning
On the day of the flight, recheck everything above, then finalise your planning.
a. Obtain weather forecasts which cover the time of your intended flight. You will need
aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) for your destination and possible diversions if they are
published; otherwise use TAFs for nearby aerodromes. Obtain either a route forecast or
an area forecast which covers the route, including significant weather, winds and
temperatures. Study actual reports (METARs) to check and update the forecasts. All of
these are available on the UK Met Office web site. Check the local weather visually.
b. If the forecast (adjusted by actual reports) suggests that cloudbase will be lower
than your planned minimum, cancel or delay the flight. Check the crosswind components
on the most likely runways at your destination and possible diversions. If the forecast
crosswind is greater than your or the aircraft‟s capabilities, cancel or delay the flight.
c. Using the forecast winds and temperatures for your planned altitude and time,
finalise the navigation calculations. You may have to interpolate between different
forecast levels. If making a long climb, use the wind and temperatures forecast for 2/3 of
the way up the climb. Write the winds and temperatures you intend to use on the log.
Decide and note your IAS. Make rough MDR heading calculations, then use a computer
for detailed figures, and adjust for variation. Calculate groundspeed, then time and fuel
required for each leg, and timings to each fix. Write down the fuel remaining at the end of
each leg, and check that the total fuel required (including a safety margin) is less than the
fuel load you intend carrying. Compare your final figures with your previous estimates; if
the difference is great without an obvious reason, check them again.
d. Make a final check of your planning by cross-referring between your log and your
chart. You may wish to write headings and timings onto the chart, and a wind arrow with
windspeed and maximum drift. At each turning point, visualise the amount of turn you are
going to make (a protractor error can be spotted at this stage) and the features you will
see. Remind yourself of your fix points, and how to find your start point.
e. Complete the ATC flight plan form if required and submit it more than 60 minutes
before start-up. Ensure ATC can contact you if there is a problem.
f. Complete take-off and landing performance calculations. If you need more than the
distances available after taking all safety factors into account, cancel or delay the flight.
g. Make a final check by telephone to NATS AIS, or a last minute check on their website,
that no temporary restricted or controlled airspace will affect your flight.
h. If taking off from an aerodrome with an air traffic service unit, you may need to
telephone your intended departure details. Brief a friend at your UK destination to inform
the nearest air traffic services unit if you do not arrive by the time your fuel has run out.
www.rin.org.uk 5 Mar 2012