Cross Country before Takeoff

Combining the flight planning, pre-flight preparation, and required emergency and safety checks into one logical flow. Cross-country flight in a Cessna 172, organized from trip inception to the point of entering the runway.

I. Pre-Flight Planning (FAR 91.103) 🗺️

This phase is typically completed before arriving at the airport.

  1. Determine Feasibility and Route:
    • Select departure, destination, and alternate airport(s).
    • Choose the primary and backup route, including waypoints.
  2. Research emergency landing zones throughout flight:
    • Straight out and within 30 degrees of each departing runway
    • Potential landing zones throughout route
  3. Weather Analysis (W): Obtain a complete weather briefing (METARs, TAFs, Winds Aloft, AIRMETs/SIGMETs) for departure, en route, and destination.
  4. Fuel Requirements (F): Calculate fuel needed, including destination/alternate fuel plus the required VFR reserve (30 minutes day, 45 minutes night).
  5. Known Traffic Delays (K) & NOTAMs: Check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) affecting the route and airports (e.g., runway closures).
  6. Runway Lengths (R) and Performance:
    • Use the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) to calculate Takeoff and Landing Distances based on current conditions (weight, temp, altitude).
    • Ensure runways are adequate for a safe operation.
  7. Weight and Balance:
    • Calculate the total aircraft weight and determine the Center of Gravity (CG).
    • Verify the weight and CG are within legal limits for the entire flight.
  8. Navigation Log Completion: Record the True Course, Magnetic Course, Winds Aloft, Magnetic Heading, Ground Speed, and Estimated Time En Route (ETE) for all legs.
  9. File VFR Flight Plan (Recommended): File with Flight Service Station (FSS) or an EFB, primarily for activating Flight Following and Search & Rescue purposes.

II. Pre-Flight Aircraft and Passenger Checks 🧑‍✈️

This phase occurs at the airport before engine start.

  1. Airworthiness Document Review (A.R.R.O.W. & Inspections): Verify all required documents and inspections are current and valid.
  2. Aircraft Loading: Load passengers and baggage according to the prepared Weight & Balance sheet.
  3. Pre-Flight Inspection (Walk-Around): Conduct a thorough walk-around using the POH checklist, including checking control surfaces, security, and draining fuel sumps for water/contaminants.
  4. Passenger Safety Briefing (Mandatory and Recommended):
    • Timing: The briefing must occur before takeoff and before the aircraft is moved on the surface (taxi).
    • Required Items (FAR 91.107):
      • Instructions on how to fasten and unfasten the safety belt and shoulder harness.
      • Notification that the safety belt/harness must be fastened during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
    • Recommended Items (S.A.F.E.T.Y.): Seats/Adjustment, Air/Vents, Fire Extinguisher, Exits/Emergency Procedures, Sterile Cockpit/Traffic Spotting, Passenger Questions.
  5. Cabin and Cockpit Setup: Secure all loose items (Flight bag, charts, water bottles), adjust seats and seatbelts, and review the POH’s Before Starting Engine Checklist.

III. Taxi and Pre-Takeoff Operations 🚦

These steps transition the aircraft to the runway.

  1. Engine Start and Taxi Clearance: Start the engine and obtain initial clearance from Ground Control or announce intentions on CTAF.
  2. Taxi Check: Check steering and brakes while moving. Complete the Taxi Checklist (e.g., setting the heading indicator to the compass, transponder to ALT).
  3. Runup/Pre-Takeoff Checklist (At Holding Point):
    • Perform the engine runup as per the POH (Magneto Check, Carb Heat Check, Flight Controls Free and Correct).
    • Set Flaps for takeoff (if required).
  4. Engine-Out Takeoff Review: Recite the critical steps for engine failure:
  1. Final Radio Call/Lineup Clearance:
    • Notify the Tower or CTAF of position and intentions for takeoff.
    • Receive or confirm clearance/traffic is clear to enter the runway.
ScenarioActionSpeed
Engine Failure
BEFORE Liftoff		Close Throttle, Apply Brakes firmly, retract Flaps, Mixture Cut-off, Ignition Off, CommunicateStop on
remaining runway.
Engine Failure
AFTER Liftoff		Lower nose immediately to maintain best glide speed (about 68 KIAS), best field straight out +/- 30, intelligently use flaps to shorten or extend glide (avoid induced stalls due to flap reduction or accelerated turns)
Mixture: Idle cut-off.
Fuel Selector Valve: OFF.
Ignition Switch: OFF.
Master Switch: OFF.
Doors: Unlatch before touchdown to prevent jamming in the event of a hard landing. 

Why You Should Not Turn Back
Altitude Loss: A C172 typically descends at over 700 fpm in a glide and much faster during a steep bank; at 400 ft, you have roughly 30–45 seconds of total air time.

The Turn Factor: To return to the runway, you must turn more than 180 degrees to realign, which increases sink rate and stall speed significantly.

FAA Guidance: The FAA and safety organizations generally recommend a minimum of 800–1,000 ft AGL before a turn back is even considered viable, and even then, only for proficient pilots who have practiced the maneuver. 

Note: landing on an unoccupied taxi way may require sinificantly less degrees of turning.

When able, declare an Emergency.
Set 7600

Pre-Takeoff Briefing (Prevention)

To handle this situation effectively, pilots should include a specific emergency plan in their takeoff briefing:  (Example)

Below 400-500 ft AGL: Engine failure—pitch for 70, land near straight ahead.

Between 500 and 1000 ft AGL:
Consider 180 degree turn to land on an adjacent runway, taxiway, or pre-evaluated field.

Keep in mind you now have a tailwind.

Above 1,000 ft AGL: “Engine failure—standard emergency procedure, consider turn back if runway is reachable”.
Maintain 68 KIAS.

IV. Entering the Runway

  1. Visual Scan: Clear the final approach area in both directions.
  2. Line Up: Smoothly taxi onto the runway centerline and come to a brief stop.
  3. Final Check: Check engine instruments (in the green), fuel selector, trim, and lights.
  4. Hold Position: Await final takeoff clearance (towered) or ensure the final approach is clear (non-towered).

Ready to apply full power and begin takeoff roll.

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