ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARD

PA.I.D — Task D — Cross-Country Flight Planning

FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation I

Official ACS text — PA.I.D

ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARD

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts

Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with cross-country flights and VFR flight planning. Note: Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option.

Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

PA.I.D.K1 Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities.

PA.I.D.K1a a. Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used

PA.I.D.K2 Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, VFR cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.

PA.I.D.K3 Calculating:

PA.I.D.K3a a. Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed

PA.I.D.K3b b. Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)

PA.I.D.K3c c. Fuel requirements, including reserve

PA.I.D.K4 Elements of a VFR flight plan.

PA.I.D.K5 Procedures for filing, activating, and closing a VFR flight plan.

PA.I.D.K6 Inflight intercept procedures.

Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

PA.I.D.R1 Pilot.

PA.I.D.R2 Aircraft.

PA.I.D.R3 Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).

PA.I.D.R4 External pressures.

PA.I.D.R5 Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.

PA.I.D.R6 Fuel planning.

PA.I.D.R7 Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.

Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:

PA.I.D.S1 Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis based on real-time weather, to the first fuel stop.

PA.I.D.S2 Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative to airport, runway and taxiway closures; and other flight publications.

PA.I.D.S3 Create a navigation plan and simulate filing a VFR flight plan.

PA.I.D.S4 Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.

PA.I.D.S5 Use an electronic flight bag (EFB), if applicable.

Reproduced from FAA-S-ACS-6C, Change 1 (November 2023). Verify against the official document before relying on it.

Is this a regulation?

No — this is a certification standard, not a regulation.

Airman Certification Standards. The ACS defines what an applicant must know, consider and do to pass a practical test. It is a certification standard, not a regulation.