Set out the VFR sectional and determine your departure and arrival points. If you have multiple stops on the route, mark these as well.
Align the aviation plotter to the chart so the "zero" on the air-mile scale is at the first departure location. Be sure you are using the proper plotter scale for the chart. Most plotters and charts use nautical miles rather than statute miles. A nautical mile is 6,076 feet and the statute mile is 5,286 feet.
Slide the plotter to the arrival point. Take a reading on the plotter scale between the two points. For example, if you are going from point X to Y, look to see what number aligns to Y. This is the air-mile distance for this leg of the journey.
Slide the zero point on the plotter to the arrival point just recorded, and slide the plotter up to the next arrival point so the zero remains at the new departure. Take the measurement. Continue this until all points are measured. Add the distances for the total air miles on the journey.
