NWKRAFT Checklist Explained: What Every Pilot Needs to Know (aka FAR 91.103)
By Jillian C. Novak, CFI
As a flight instructor, one of the most common acronyms I go over with new students is NWKRAFT. It's part of your preflight planning responsibilities under 14 CFR §91.103, which requires pilots to be familiar with all available information before any flight. NWKRAFT is a simple way to remember the key elements you’re legally and practically responsible for.
Why You Need to Know NWKRAFT
Just a few weeks ago, I was planning a short VFR hop with a student from our home airport to a small uncontrolled field about 60 miles away. It was a beautiful morning—clear skies, calm winds, and everything looked good at first glance. Honestly, it seemed like the kind of day where you could just “get in and go.” But of course, we stuck to the routine and walked through NWKRAFT like we always do.
When we got to NOTAMs, something jumped out: a temporary closure of Runway 12/30 at our destination for maintenance. It was the main—and practically only—runway in usable condition for a 172. Without that, the airport wasn’t an option. If we hadn’t checked NOTAMs thoroughly, we might’ve flown all the way there and had to turn back—or worse, tried to land on an unsuitable surface.
Because we had taken NWKRAFT seriously, we caught it in time. We re-routed to a nearby airport with services, had a smooth flight, and turned it into a great diversion training opportunity. That experience really cemented for my student—and reinforced for me—that NWKRAFT isn’t just for checkride day. It’s there to keep you out of trouble in the real world.
Let’s break it down piece by piece.
N – NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions)
What it is: Temporary changes to the airspace, airport operations, procedures, or navigational aids.
Why it matters: NOTAMs could affect your route, destination, or even your ability to land. Imagine planning to land at a rural airport, only to find out via NOTAM that the runway lights are out of service at night. You don’t want to find that out in the air.
How to check: Use flight planning tools like ForeFlight, 1800WXBRIEF, or the FAA NOTAM search. Filter carefully—there can be a lot of irrelevant NOTAMs.
W – Weather
What it is: Current and forecasted weather along your route and at your destination (including alternates if needed).
Why it matters: Weather can dictate your go/no-go decision. You need to check METARs, TAFs, area forecasts, winds aloft, radar, and more. For VFR pilots, visibility and cloud clearance are key.
How to check: AviationWeather.gov is a great source, but your EFB (like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot) can make it easier to see a big picture view.
K – Known ATC Delays
What it is: Published delays or flow restrictions issued by Air Traffic Control.
Why it matters: This is more common in controlled or busy airspace, especially near Class B airports or during IFR operations. Delays can affect your fuel planning and arrival time.
How to check: The FAA's ATCSCC website or your flight briefing will include these.
R – Runway Lengths
What it is: The length of runways at your departure, destination, and any alternates.
Why it matters: You need to confirm that the runway is long enough for takeoff and landing based on your aircraft’s performance, weight, and density altitude.
Where to find it: Airport Facility Directory (now part of the Chart Supplement), ForeFlight, or online charts like AirNav or SkyVector.
A – Alternates
What it is: Backup airport(s) if you can’t land at your intended destination.
Why it matters: Weather changes, mechanical issues, or airport closures can force a diversion. Even on a VFR flight, having a mental backup plan is smart. For IFR pilots, alternates are required under certain conditions.
How to choose one: Look for airports near your destination with good weather, services, and suitable runways.
F – Fuel Requirements
What it is: The amount of fuel you legally need for the flight—and a safe reserve.
Why it matters: FAA fuel minimums are just that—minimums. For day VFR, you need 30 minutes reserve; at night, it’s 45 minutes. But real-world planning should include extra fuel for traffic, deviations, or surprises.
Tip: Always check your actual burn rate, not just book numbers. And don't forget taxi and run-up fuel.
T – Takeoff and Landing Distances
What it is: The performance data for your aircraft, based on the current conditions—weight, temperature, elevation, runway surface, wind, etc.
Why it matters: A heavily loaded airplane on a short, high-elevation runway in summer heat may not perform the way you're used to. You need to run the numbers before every flight.
How to calculate: Use your POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook) or EFB tools to calculate your takeoff roll and landing distance required under current conditions.
Final Thoughts
As a CFI, I stress this with every student: NWKRAFT isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about being a prepared and safe pilot. Preflight planning is your first opportunity to make smart decisions that set the tone for the rest of the flight.
Eventually, as you gain experience, NWKRAFT becomes second nature. But early on, make it a habit to sit down and deliberately go through each step. It will make you a better, safer pilot—and your future instructors, examiners, and passengers will thank you for it.
Fly safe,
Jillian C. Novak, CFI
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