Cross Country

Technically, a cross country is optional, you can fly these flights locally. That sucks. A cross country is one of the few "good deals" remaining in flight school. You learn more doing it all at once anyway, and seeing some different airports. The various squadrons run cross country's differently consult your SOP and talk to people ahead of you. Basically you need to figure out what flights are traditionally reserved for a cross country (in VT-6 that is usually 7 flights: the last block of RI's, Day and Night VNAV's and your RI check ride. In VT-3 you must usually do the RI check ride in the local area) then find an instructor who wants to go with you.

Start looking for an instructor early (your onwing usually get's first dibs), by the time you go back to the RI's sims is usually about to start talking to IP's. Once you have someone to go with let SKED's know what you are trying to set up. Prep for your flights as much as you can, talk to your IP before you do any planning so he/she can let you know exactly what is expected. Then plan, make a backup plan for weather and be flexible. Things rarely work exactly as you plan but you should have fun regardless.