Simulator Session

08/01/25

Andrew planned and flew a cross-country to the Charlottesville airport In the Redbird FMX at Mindstar JYO.

Debrief:

• Checklist - Use this at each stage of flight. Make it a checklist, not a to-do list.
• Flight following - for a cross-country like this in this air space, I would strongly suggest getting flight following to and from the Charlottesville airport. This will also help with your communication skills.
• Knee board - Helpful for writing down frequencies and notes in route to manage your flight.
• Movement and non-movement areas - Know the difference and know where the boundaries are with the markings at the airport.
  • Movement Area: this is the area of the airport where aircraft operate under the control of Air Traffic Control (ATC).
  • Non-Movement Area: this area is not under ATC control and typically includes areas like aircraft parking and hangar areas.
• Look up - Use the instruments in the airplane as your primary reference. Keep your head looking outside the airplane at all times during a VFR flight.
• Scan - learn to keep referencing the instruments constantly. Look down at your iPad for reference if needed, and only for a short period of time. Return your scan quickly to the instruments on the panel to maintain level flight, speed, course and other information.