However, before a pilot can fill one out, they should have practical knowledge of the aircraft they'll be flying, such as the type, model, make, and registration of the aircraft. These are some of the details that need to be included in a flight plan. In fact, flight plans are structured in such a way that pilots cannot—and should not—submit an incomplete one.
Moreover, every flight plan has a section where the pilot has to indicate if the flight will be governed by IFR or VFR regulations—more on that later.
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Some FAQs about Flight Plans
FAQ #1- Do Pilots Always Have to File a Flight Plan?
It entirely depends on the type of flight the pilot and aircraft in question will make. Civilian aviation is typically categorized by two flight types: Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Although it's a good practice to submit flight plans for both, they're legally only required for the former.
FAQ #2- What is the difference between IFR and VFR?
Visual Flight Rules govern aviators flying in weather that is clear enough for pilots to see at least five miles as they're dependent on the plane being flown in visual meteorological conditions.
Pilots must have a visual reference to the ground when flying the plane to avoid obstacles and other aircraft. Provided that these conditions are met, pilots don't need to file a flight plan, even though it's recommended to do so.
Meanwhile, IFR flights are governed by the usage of instruments on the flight deck or where navigation is reliant on both the instruments and electronic signals, or when the visual reference and navigation are limited.
All civilian airlines must abide by IFR rules under FAA guidelines, so you'll need to file them with relevant authorities before or shortly after the take-off, depending on the specific requirements of the airline you're employed in.
Pilots rely more on assistance from air traffic controllers and technology on IFR flights. Because instrument flights are conducted under clearance, the ATC constantly provides instructions, so pilots must be in constant radio contact with them.
But ideally, you should be ready with information about the route. You should know all about the weather, the nearest VFR weather at the airport, alternate plans, nearest ILR approaches, NOTAMS, IFR conditions along the route, and NAVAIDs and published procedures along the route you may be assigned.
Even if you've done all the homework and know all the protocols, things can change, causing the clearance to change as well. Remain flexible and do what you're asked in such situations.
Being on an IFR flight frees pilots from many rules and worries about airspace transitions that fill the time of VFR pilots.
FAQ #3- How to Fill Out a Flight Plan?
As we discussed before, to fill out the flight plan, pilots must have sound knowledge of the aviator they're flying because its make, type, registration, and model are some of the many details that make up a flight plan.
There's a section on every flight plan where the pilot has to indicate if the flight will be governed by IFR or VFR regulations. The plan should also include the intended airspeed, altitude, estimated time en route, special cargo or equipment being carried on the plane, as well as the number of passengers expected on board.
Information about where the aircraft is departing from and where it will arrive is also included before submitting it to the control tower of the airport the flight is departing from. This information is also submitted to other relevant aviation authorities with jurisdiction control over the airspace the flight will pass through at every stage of the journey.
Since the IFR charts and approach plates have a validity of only 28 days from their publication, make sure you have a new set on hand regularly. Once you're familiar with all the protocols, it becomes less intimidating.
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