What do operators need to do when filing a flight plan form?

Aviation isn’t just about taking the skies through a fancy airplane. Operators are required to fulfill tons of paperwork, which range from flight schedules, records, and reports. One of their must-have files is the flight plan.

 

So why is this document important?

 

For starters, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines flight plan as a usually written statement (as by a pilot) of the details of an intended flight (as of an airplane or spacecraft) usually filed within an authority. The flight plan assures accountability to pilots’ ends as it contains the necessary information on their trips. If they don’t turn a flight plan form in, they’re not allowed to fly.

 

Take note that there are different types of flight plans. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various types of plans that differ in purpose. Regardless of flight type, operators should always have the initiative to submit their plans. If something was to happen to them (not showing up 30 minutes after estimated time of arrival, for example), the document will help authorities locate and rescue it. Think about it: missing pilots who have filed flight plans are found within an average of four hours sooner compared to the ones that did not comply.

 

When filing a flight plan, here are a few important reminders:

Capital letters should be used. Unless a field is not divided into spaces, only one letter should occupy each space.
Every information should only be inserted in allotted spaces or fields. If there is an excess field, it is recommended to leave it blank.
When referring to time, it must be reported in four figures such as1330, 2100, etc.
When possible, file flight plan Although late filings are sometimes inevitable, it is best to submit early to avoid any delays. Recommended times are one day prior to flight, the morning of the flight, and 0800 (EST).
Operators should never forget to open their flight plans, or they will not be covered. They should also remember their contact person and how they’ll close their plan. Should confusions arise on closing the plan, they may ask their briefer upon filing.
If flight plan changes are made mid-flight, operators should inform specialists about their original filing date. This tip is crucial especially for flight plans filed for consecutive cross-country trips.

 

Think of a flight plan as a checklist—if all the needed boxes are ticked off, it means that operators have done their homework.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about aviation, my book, Ol’ Shakey: Memories of a Flight Engineer, should be able to help you out. For more updates, you may follow my Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads profiles.

 

References

 

Miller, Wally. “File a Flight Plan.” Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Accessed July 18, 2018. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/crosscountry/articles/file-a-flight-plan.

 

FileSmart. “File Early.” Accessed July 19, 2018. https://filesmart.org/file-early/.

 

SKYbrary. “Flight Plan Completion.” Last modified May 10, 2018. Accessed July 19, 2018. https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Flight_Plan_Completion.

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