Computer Flight Planning

I was recently asked if I accept a computerized flight plan for a Private Pilot crosscountry.  The short answer is...Yes.  My reason is two fold.  One computer flight plans CAN be more accurate, and two, I want the applicant to be honest with me (I have seen where applicant have completed a computerized flight plan and then hand written it on a regular flight plan form).

One big problem with computerized flight planning is the "Garbage in..Garbage out" problem.  If the wrong performance data is entered into the computer, the flight plan will be incorrect.  I check for this!!  I will ask how they know this computer flight plan is accurate.  This will lead the appliant back to the performance section of the POH to prove the accuracy of the flight plan.  I may also ask if the computer computed a correct ground speed, flight time and/or fuel burn.  It's basic common sense.....trust but verify!

I have had a couple of applicant show up with a computer flight plan based on airplanes that where not what we were flying on the flight test.  One Commercial applicant used performance numbers from the Piper Chiefton to calculate data for a Beech Duchess.  An Instrument applicant used C-172 numbers for his C-182.  That's not going to go over very well on a checkride.

FYI, Not all examiners accept computer flight planning.  Check with your before showing up!