1. Obtain aeronautical charts that cover the area of flight and check their currency.
2. Consult the Chart Supplements for communication frequencies, runway information, and field elevation.
3. Obtain a standard weather briefing. Identify PIREPs, NOTAMs, and TFRs affecting the flight.
4. Check for potential air traffic delays and Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs).
5. Check for preferred routes between the departure and arrival airport. If none are available, plan the course based on the navigation method.
6. Determine if there is a departure procedure or a standard terminal arrival (STAR) procedure.
7. Look for possible alternate airports with instrument approaches near the destination. Check the weather minimums for each.
8. When using paper charts, trace over the planned route with a highlighter to help identify it more easily while en route.
9. Note the minimum en route altitude (MEA) and any other altitude restrictions for each flight segment.
10. Determine if any required NAVAID for the route is affected by chart NOTAMs.
11. Determine winds and temperatures aloft by interpolating between reported altitudes. To determine the outside air temperature (OAT) at altitudes without a reported temperature, use the standard temperature lapse rate of -2°C (-3.5°F) per thousand feet.
12. Determine the optimal cruising altitude based on the winds aloft, minimum IFR altitudes, and the direction of flight:
13. From the Chart Supplements, identify en route weather reporting stations and note the FSS frequencies.
14. Compute the estimated ground speed and ETE.
15. Determine the fuel required for all planned route segments, the route to the alternate airport (if required), plus the reserve requirement. Confirm that there is sufficient fuel on board to complete the flight. If not, plan a fuel stop.
16. Determine the aircraft's weight and CG.
17. Compute takeoff and landing distances and ensure adequate runway length is available.
18. Identify potential risks using the PAVE checklist (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures). Determine a mitigation strategy for each.
19. For use in an emergency after takeoff, note the location and frequency, if applicable, of the nearest suitable approach.
20. Identify areas of VFR weather along the route to use in an emergency.
21. Ensure that there are no incomplete items on the flight planning log.
22. Make a final go/no-go decision.
23. File a flight plan.