Planning the first mission
Mission Log — Planning the First Mission
Mission: Mission Planning
Aircraft: 1964 Mooney
Conditions: Preflight / Planning Phase
Objective: Build the first Flying the Commonwealth mission
Mission Overview
Before the first airport could be checked off, there was work to do on the ground. Flying the Commonwealth isn’t just about showing up at airports—it’s about how each mission is built, evaluated, and executed.
This mission focused entirely on planning: choosing a route, identifying hazards, evaluating time and fuel, reviewing weather, and gathering the details needed to stay organized in the cockpit.
No takeoff roll. No touchdown. Just the foundation.
The Planning Process
Every mission in this series starts the same way: with a blank map and a few constraints.
For this first flight, the goal was to create a route that made sense geographically, avoided obvious hazards, and fit comfortably within both the aircraft’s capabilities and my own personal limits. Tools like ForeFlight handled the heavy lifting, but judgment still mattered—especially when it came to terrain, airspace, and alternates.
I also spent time reviewing the destination airport outside of aviation tools, using satellite imagery to get a feel for layout, surroundings, and access. It’s a small step, but it reduces surprises and makes arrivals feel familiar before the wheels ever touch down.
Weather & Risk Review
The weather briefing was intentionally quick—not rushed, but efficient. This wasn’t about chasing perfection; it was about confirming that conditions aligned with the mission’s scope.
VFR conditions, manageable winds, and plenty of outs. Nothing exotic. Just a reminder that good decisions are usually boring—and that’s a good thing.
Staying Organized in the Cockpit
The final step was building the kneeboard sheets. Frequencies, runways, fuel numbers, and notes—all written down, all in one place.
Once airborne, there’s no reason to be hunting for information. Planning is where workload gets shifted forward, and this mission reinforced just how much smoother flights feel when the cockpit stays calm.
Lessons Learned
The mission starts on the ground. The flight is only the execution phase.
Simple plans are easier to adapt. Flexibility comes from clarity, not complexity.
Preparation buys margin. Time spent planning shows up as calm in the air.
Looking Ahead
With the planning complete, the first real mission was ready to fly. Routes were set, numbers checked, and expectations aligned.
Flying the Commonwealth officially moved from concept to execution—not with a dramatic moment, but with a plan that made sense.
Next up: wheels up.