Flight planning can be really challenging and is one aspect I dont think people understand.
Most of the work for flying IFR which is instrument flying is done in advance. There are new tools out that help you. I hope to get my instrument rating someday because this allows safer flights since ATC is watching you and you can fly through the clouds.
Recently we have been doing some mock flight plans. It requires understanding how much fuel you burn when climbing and cruise which are very different. Also, you dont get to fly as the crow flies. As you can see there are alot of airspaces in busy areas.
