• Total distance—obtained by measuring the length of  the TC line on the chart (using the scale at the bottom  of the chart)  • GS—obtained by measuring the length of the TC line  on the wind triangle (using the scale employed for  drawing the diagram)  • Estimated time en route (ETE)—total distance divided  by GS  • Fuel rate—predetermined gallons per hour used at  cruising speed  NOTE: Additional fuel for adequate reserve should be added  as a safety measure.  Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part  91 states, in part, that before beginning a flight, the pilot in  command (PIC) of an aircraft shall become familiar with all  available information concerning that flight. For flights not  in the vicinity of an airport, this must include information  on available current weather reports and forecasts, fuel  requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight  cannot be completed, and any known traffic delays of which  the PIC has been advised by ATC.  The pilot should collect the necessary material well before  beginning the flight. An appropriate current sectional chart  and charts for areas adjoining the flight route should be among  this material if the route of flight is near the border of a chart.  Additional equipment should include a flight computer or  electronic calculator, plotter, and any other item appropriate  to the particular flight. For example, if a night flight is to  be undertaken, carry a flashlight; if a flight is over desert  country, carry a supply of water and other necessities.  It is wise to check the weather before continuing with other  aspects of flight planning to see, first of all, if the flight is  feasible and, if it is, which route is best. Chapter 12, “Aviation  Weather Services,” discusses obtaining a weather briefing.  Study available information about each airport at which a  landing is intended. This should include a study of the Notices  to Airmen (NOTAMs) and the Chart Supplement U.S.  (formerly Airport/Facility Directory).  [Figure 16-24]  This  includes location, elevation, runway and lighting facilities,  available services, availability of aeronautical advisory  station frequency (UNICOM), types of fuel available (use to  The Aircraft Flight Manual or Pilot’s Operating Handbook  (AFM/POH) should be checked to determine the proper  loading of the aircraft (weight and balance data). The weight  of the usable fuel and drainable oil aboard must be known.  Also, check the weight of the passengers, the weight of all  baggage to be carried, and the empty weight of the aircraft to  be sure that the total weight does not exceed the maximum  allowable weight. The distribution of the load must be known  to tell if the resulting center of gravity (CG) is within limits.  The sectional chart bulletin subsection should be checked for  major changes that have occurred since the last publication date  of each sectional chart being used. Remember, the chart may  be up to 6 months old. The effective date of the chart appears  at the top of the front of the chart. The Chart Supplement U.S.  generally has the latest information pertaining to such matters  and should be used in preference to the information on the  back of the chart, if there are differences.  decide on refueling stops), FSS located on the airport, control  tower and ground control frequencies, traffic information,  remarks, and other pertinent information. The NOTAMs,  issued every 28 days, should be checked for additional  information on hazardous conditions or changes that have  been made since issuance of the Chart Supplement U.S.  Airplane Flight Manual or Pilot’s Operating  Handbook (AFM/POH)  Use of Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/  Facility Directory)  Weather Check  Assembling Necessary Material  Flight Planning  Figure 16-24.  Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility  Directory).  16-17 