What is the preferred map scale when conducting en-route planning on long-range missions?

The preferred map scale for conducting en-route planning on long-range missions is 1:250,000. This scale strikes a balance between detail and coverage, making it suitable for navigating over extensive distances while still providing enough information about terrain features, landmarks, and potential hazards.

A scale of 1:250,000 allows pilots to visualize their route effectively without overwhelming detail, which can be found in smaller-scale maps. Maps at this scale will typically include vital elements such as roads, waterways, elevation contours, and some airspace information, all of which are crucial for long-range planning. This helps in making informed decisions about navigation, avoiding obstacles, and planning fuel stops or alternate routes.

Larger scales, like 1:100,000, may offer too much detail and result in map overload, making it harder to maintain situational awareness over long stretches. Conversely, smaller scales, such as 1:500,000 or 1:1,000,000, provide less detail, which can hinder effective navigation and awareness of critical features along the route. Therefore, the 1:250,000 scale aligns well with the needs of long-range mission planning.