Best Practice – Pre-Flight Planning

• Ensure that you have a current aeronautical chart
• Check NOTAMs before flying. Learn to use efficient methods of briefing, such as a “narrow route brief” or “saved briefings” where these facilities exist.
• Check for planned restrictions of airspace in Air Information Circulars (AIC)
• Check the local and en-route weather and check again just before flight. In many European countries the weather changes rapidly so plan options for your flight, including diverting or turning back.
• Ask an instructor for assistance if you don’t understand the information in any document.

Cost – The information is freely available so the only cost will be time.

Examples

All countries surveyed reported that one of the main causes of airspace infringement is lack of adequate pre-flight planning. A lack of understanding of NOTAM, MET and AIS data can add to the problem. Many countries have developed on-line guidance material to assist pilots to be fully prepared. Some also have free-phone numbers to call and access the latest information.

Sample Material