VFR Flight Briefing
Sacramento Mather (KMHR) to Reno-Tahoe (KRNO)
This interactive guide outlines a VFR cross-country flight simulation from Sacramento to Reno in a Cessna 172. The primary objective is to practice flight planning, radio communications, and emergency procedures. This flight presents the dual challenges of crossing the high-altitude terrain of the Sierra Nevada mountains and navigating from Class D to Class C airspace. Your core responsibility as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) is to aviate, navigate, and communicate, maintaining constant vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft.
This chart illustrates the significant elevation change required to safely cross the Sierra Nevada range, a key planning factor for this flight.
Pre-Flight Planning
Assemble your navigation log, frequencies, and checklists before engine start.
In-Flight Guide
Follow these procedures from departure to arrival for a smooth, professional flight.
Get ATIS (118.325): Note the information identifier (e.g., “Alpha”).
Contact Ground (121.85): “Mather Ground, Cessna [N-Number], at [location], with Information [Alpha], ready to taxi, VFR to Reno with flight following.”
Contact Tower (120.65): At hold short line: “Mather Tower, Cessna [N-Number], holding short of runway [XX], ready for departure.”
Climb Out: After takeoff, anticipate handoff to NorCal Departure (127.4). Do not turn before 700′ MSL per noise abatement.
Initial Call to NorCal (127.4): “NorCal Approach, Cessna [N-Number], with VFR request.”
Full Request: When they respond: “NorCal Approach, Cessna [N-Number] is a Skyhawk, at [altitude], VFR to Reno, request flight following.”
Cruise Checklist: Lean mixture, monitor engine instruments, and maintain a constant visual scan for traffic.
ATC Handoffs: When instructed, read back the new frequency, switch, and check in with the new controller: “Reno Approach, Cessna [N-Number], with you at [altitude].”
Get KRNO ATIS (135.8): Listen for weather, runways, and the information identifier before contacting Approach.
Contact Reno Approach (e.g., 126.3): “Reno Approach, Cessna [N-Number], VFR with you at [altitude], inbound for landing with Information [identifier].”
Contact Reno Tower (118.7): When handed off: “Reno Tower, Cessna [N-Number], VFR inbound, full stop.”
Contact Ground (121.9): After clearing the runway: “Reno Ground, Cessna [N-Number], landed runway [XX], taxiing to transient parking.”
Emergency Procedures
Practice these scenarios. In any emergency, always remember: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
Engine Failure
Immediate Actions (Memory Items)
- Airspeed: Pitch for Best Glide (68 KIAS).
- Landing Site: Select a suitable field.
- Troubleshoot (Flow Check): Carb Heat ON, Fuel Selector BOTH, Fuel Pump ON, Mixture RICH, Mags BOTH.
Forced Landing (If No Restart)
- Declare Emergency: Squawk 7700, Transmit on 121.5 “Mayday, Mayday…”.
- Secure Cabin: Brief passengers, tighten seatbelts.
- Final Approach: Mixture IDLE CUTOFF, Fuel Valve OFF, Mags OFF.
- Doors: Unlatch prior to touchdown.
- Touchdown: Tail-low attitude, apply heavy braking.