Cross-Country Solo

Learning Objective

Students will develop planning and piloting skills as they prepare a basic flight plan and use a flight simulator to execute the plan. Utilization of the VOR navigation system and proper use of aircraft control systems will be used to reach a final destination. Students will fly an aircraft in a direct path from Colorado Springs to Denver airport.

Project Description

We worked as teams with one person as the pilot, who controlled the joystick and the aircraft control systems, and the other as the navigator, who tuned the VOR to the correct radio stations and made sure the plane was on path to the destination of Denver airport. The plane was a Cessna 172 departing from Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. The navigation radio only works when the altitude is at a sufficient height, so our team had to take-off and then tune the VOR systems, using specific radio frequencies (Denver's was 117.90). Wind causes the plane to drift off course, so the navigator must readjust the VOR systems in order to keep on track during the flight.

What I Learned

I learned how the VOR navigation system tuned with two different radio stations in order to provide alignment to the destination. I learned how the air control systems, such as the ailerons and elevators, influenced the plane's flight.

Flight route map:

Conclusion

What errors did you make during this flight?

Errors I made during this flight included not adjusting the green indicator in the compass to match the direction given by the VOR. This meant that at first I was flying the wrong direction, so I restarted and turned around.

What could you do to avoid these mistakes?

To avoid this mistake, all I have to do is just make sure to align the compass with the VOR right after takeoff, and then make sure the plane heading matches it.

How does the VOR instrument help you navigate?

The VOR instrument helps me navigate by telling me how far off I am from the destination. It tells me what direction I need to face to reach the destination, and that way I will be able to fly there. It also changes mid flight to retain accuracy.