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FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL 167

avoid repetition on the remainder of the flight. In some cases it may be necessary to reestimate the fuel endurance remaining and to change the destination accordingly. 

Air markers are of great assistance to pilots making cross-country flights, and the student should know where they are usually located and how to use them. These markers are painted or constructed signs visible from the air which give the name of the town, the abbreviated name of the State, the true north direction, and the direction and distance to the airport. The Civil Aeronautics Authority has made considerable progress in a nation-wide air-marking program, cooperating with State and civic organizations in selecting sites and installing the markers. The markers are painted on the roofs of prominent buildings, gas tanks, etc., and on highways, or are constructed of stone or other materials on the ground. 

Frequently a long cross country is successfully completed only to have the pilot become "lost" upon arrival at the town sponsoring the airport. Many factors enter into such a predicament and the following suggestions may help avoid such an incident:

1. To locate the airport note its location on chart relative to the city and to some prominent landmark. 

2. Do not fly too high as hangars and other airport buildings cannot always be readily distinguished from barns and warehouses.

3. Watch for air markers on buildings, on oil tanks, gas holders, highways, etc., and for flashing beacons. 

4. Examine areas blanked off by the wings or fuselage by swerving airplane or banking from time to time. 

5. Watch for other airplanes. 

6. Conserve fuel while searching by throttling engine. 

Upon locating the airport, circle it once or twice to examine obstructions and pick up lines of traffic. Obey all Air Traffic Rules and Regulations. Watch for signal from the control tower if one is present or contact tower by radio, if available, and follow instructions. 

Remember that long cross-country flights have a tendency to deaden the speed sensibility. Slow the plane down while above 1,000 feet and check carefully to be certain of making the approach in a normal glide. This will eliminate the common tendency to make a fast approach. 

Upon completion of flight the pilot should clear his PX if such service was utilized upon departure. 

Next make arrangements for safety of plane. If no hangar space is available, secure tie-down ropes and stakes and ascertain from field attendant where craft is to be tied down. When staking the airplane down it should be tailed into the wind and the controls securely fastened to keep them from injury as a result of flapping in the wind. 

Be certain to leave local address where you can be reached in case of high winds or other dangerous weather conditions. 

NIGHT FLYING

Night flying instruction is very important in the training of a competent pilot, but should not be undertaken until he has had considerable experience in day flying.