Alphabet and Numbers Challenges

The Alphabet and Numbers Challenges are made up of themed groups of flights within the PilotEdge coverage area. True to the name, each challenge’s first leg begins at an airport associated with the letter A and leads sequentially to Z, then finishing up with airport identifiers starting with 0 to 9. In total, the 35 legs of each series encompass a wide variety of airports from large class Bravos to the smallest of non-towered fields.

Unlike the CAT ratings, I-ratings and SkyHigh ratings, the Alphabet Challenge is simply an itinerary. They are not graded by ATC, nor are there cockpits videos or specified routing. These Challenges are an opportunity to explore the airspace in a structured and somewhat whimsical way. The training or entertainment value is really what you choose to make of it. The purpose is simply to make it to the destination one way or another in whatever fashion each pilot feels is best for them. In light of its loose structure, pilots are encouraged to complete at least the CAT ratings or I-ratings prior to beginning the Alphabet Challenge.

The lack of specific routing for each leg is intentional as it allows pilots to use & apply what they’ve learned from previous training programs, selecting their own method of navigation for each flight. Pilots may use real-world or custom weather, and may fly the legs VFR or IFR. Pilots should choose an aircraft suitable for the specific leg and may use different aircraft for different legs while keeping in mind that some of the airports have relatively short runways.

One great benefit of the program: it provides a common frame of reference with other users in the community. Feel free to share your experiences in our forums or Discord!

Obtaining Credit for Each Leg

Pilots should log in to the PE Tracker, visit the Tours section and enroll the Challenges of their choice. The Tracker will issue credit for each leg as it is completed automatically and give you a visual indication of your progress through each of the Tours.

The Challenges

Click on a challenge below to view the itinerary, submit a flight, or view past flight logs.