Flight planning is one of the first things student pilots learn, and one of the first things they underestimate.
Most mistakes don’t come from lack of knowledge. They come from rushed preparation, fragmented tools, and false confidence.
In this article, we’ll cover five common flight planning mistakes student pilots make, why they matter, and how to avoid them before they turn into real problems.
Mistake 1: Treating Weather as a Checkbox
Many students “check the weather” by reading a METAR, glancing at a TAF, and moving on. That’s not weather planning, that’s wishful thinking.
Why this is dangerous: Weather changes over time and space. A departure METAR tells you almost nothing about conditions en route, trends, or your return flight.
How to avoid it: Start with the big picture (pressure systems, fronts, trends) then move to details.
Mistake 2: Rushing NOTAMs and Airspace
This is one of the most common examiner complaints. Students often skim NOTAMs, assume “nothing important,” or miss temporary restrictions.
Why this is dangerous: Airspace infringements rarely happen because pilots didn’t know better, they happen because pilots didn’t look carefully enough.
How to avoid it: Slow down. Read NOTAMs for all aerodromes involved, review airspace laterally and vertically, and plan margins, not minimums.
Mistake 3: Copying Old NAVLOGs or Spreadsheets
Reusing old planning sheets feels efficient, but it’s risky.
Why this is dangerous: Winds change, routes change, and aircraft loading changes. Copy-paste planning creates invisible errors.
How to avoid it: Every flight deserves fresh headings, updated wind correction, and current fuel calculations. A structured NAVLOG helps prevent assumptions from slipping through.
Mistake 4: Treating Weight & Balance as a Formality
Many students think: “It was fine last time, so it’s fine now.” That’s how limits get exceeded.
Why this is dangerous: Small changes matter. Extra fuel, baggage, passenger weight, or different seating can shift your Center of Gravity. Limits are unforgiving.
How to avoid it: Always calculate total weight, center of gravity, and fuel vs payload trade-offs. Never assume, always verify!
Mistake 5: Skipping the Final Go / No-Go Decision
Some students prepare well… then rush out the door.
Why this is dangerous: Preparation only works if you pause and evaluate: - Is the weather still acceptable? - Do I have clear alternates? - Am I within my personal limits today?
How to avoid it: End every planning session with one question: “Would I still do this flight if conditions deteriorate slightly?” If the answer isn’t clear, stop and reassess.
The Real Problem Behind These Mistakes
These mistakes aren’t caused by lazy students. They’re caused by fragmented tools, repetitive calculations, and time pressure. When preparation feels chaotic, steps get skipped.
A Smarter Approach to Flight Planning
Good planning should be structured, repeatable, calm, and confidence-building. Using a single workflow for NAVLOGs, Weight & Balance, and checklists reduces mental load and error potential.
That’s how professionals operate, and students should too.
Final Thought
Mistakes in flight planning rarely announce themselves. They hide in assumptions, shortcuts, and rushed decisions. The best habit you can build as a student pilot is consistent, structured preparation.
Want to reduce mistakes and prepare every flight with confidence? Use AeroTools to plan smarter, not harder.
Good habits on the ground create safety in the air.