How to File an FAA Flight Plan

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the type of flight.

   It will be VFR (visual flight rules), IFR (instrument flight rules), or DVFR (defense visual flight rules).
   
   To file a composite flight plan (a portion of the flight VFR and IFR) check both boxes.
2. 2

   Step 2: Enter your aircraft identification.

   This is your tail number or designated call sign. , The equipment codes are as follow:
   No DME /X No transponder /T Transponder with no Mode C /U Transponder with Mode C DME /D No transponder /B Transponder with no Mode C /A Transponder with Mode C TACAN only /M No transponder /N Transponder with no Mode C /P Transponder with Mode C Area navigation (RNAV with LORAN, VOR/DME, or INS) /Y No transponder /C Transponder with no Mode C /I Transponder with Mode C Advanced RNAV with transponder and Mode C /E Flight Management System (FMS) with DME/DME and IRU positioning update /F FMS with DME/DME position updating /G Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) /R Required Navigational Performance (RNP) Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) /J /E with RVSM /K /F with RVSM /L /G with RVSM /Q /R with RVSM /W RVSM ,, The name of the airport can be used if you do not know the identifier code. ,, If you plan on more than one cruising altitude, only list the initial altitude. , Use NAVAID codes, airport codes, and airways as applicable.
   
   You do not need to enter the departure airport or destination as those are included in separate blocks.
   
   Start with the first checkpoint or instrument departure procedure followed by subsequent checkpoints.
   
   For example:
   DEPART3.ABC
   - V 23
   - V 104
   - XYZ Direct KSFO Direct XYZ
   - V 84
   - INTSC ,, For example: 1 + 30 min , Such as the registration number if using a designated call sign.
   
   If you are flying IFR and do not wish to use a published departure procedure, write NO DP in this section.
   
   Note you will still need to fly the obstacle departure procedure for the airport if the weather is below VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) to ensure terrain clearance. ,, For IFR flights, you are required to list an alternate if, for your destination airport one hour before and after your estimated time of arrival, the ceiling is forecast below 2,000 feet (609.6 m) or visibility less than 3 miles (4.8 km).
   
   Remember the 1-2-3 rule (±1 hr, ceiling 2000 ft, visibility 3 mi). , This information will help in the event of a search and rescue mission. ,,,, Flight plans may also be filed on-line through a number of services including DUATS. , The frequency can be found on a VFR or IFR chart and in the airport facility directory.
   
   IFR flights should contact departure or center on the appropriate frequency , IFR flights are closed automatically upon arrival at airports with towers.
3. 3

   Step 3: Enter your aircraft type and special equipment.

4. 4

   Step 4: Enter the aircraft's true airspeed (TAS) in knots.

5. 5

   Step 5: Enter the airport identifier code for your departure point.

6. 6

   Step 6: Enter your proposed departure time in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC or Zulu).

7. 7

   Step 7: Enter your cruising altitude.

8. 8

   Step 8: Define your route of flight.

9. 9

   Step 9: Enter the identifier for your destination airport.

10. 10

    Step 10: Enter your estimated time en route (ETE) in hours and minutes.

11. 11

    Step 11: Enter any remarks to help ATC or clarify other flight plan information.

12. 12

    Step 12: Specify the amount of fuel on board in hours and minutes.

13. 13

    Step 13: Specify any alternate airports if desired.

14. 14

    Step 14: Enter your name

15. 15

    Step 15: address

16. 16

    Step 16: telephone number

17. 17

    Step 17: and home base.

18. 18

    Step 18: Enter the number of persons on board including yourself

19. 19

    Step 19: passengers

20. 20

    Step 20: and crew.

21. 21

    Step 21: Enter the predominant colors of your aircraft.

22. 22

    Step 22: Record a destination telephone number (optional) to assist search and rescue contact if you are more than half an hour late of your estimated time of arrival (ETA).

23. 23

    Step 23: Call your Flight Service Station (FSS) and give them all the information above.

24. 24

    Step 24: VFR flights should Activate their flight plan once airborne by contacting flight service on the radio.

25. 25

    Step 25: VFR flights should close their flight plan after arriving at your destination by calling FSS.

Detailed Guide

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