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First solo done! Tips for cross-country planning?

Paolo Reyes

Student pilot · PPL student, solo last month · 01 Oct 2026 23:55

Flew my first solo last week at Clark. Next up is my first solo cross-country. How do you plan fuel, alternates and checkpoints without overthinking it?

3 replies

Andrea Santos · Flight instructor · 1 month ago

Congratulations! Pick big, unmistakable checkpoints every 10 to 15 minutes, plan your fuel with at least 45 minutes reserve, and always brief a diversion before you take off.

Jerome Santiago · Pilot · 1 month ago

And call the tower early. Nobody minds a student asking twice.

Paolo Reyes · Student pilot · 1 month ago

Thank you both, very helpful.

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