Flight Plans

Elim Hawkins

Monday, November 14, 2022 at 03:35 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

VFR flight plans are crucial for search and rescue, especially for student pilots and those flying around mountains, as Flight Service Stations (FSS) initiate alert procedures if a plan is not closed.
Pilots are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of IFR flight plans, even if filed by others, with particular attention needed for the equipment suffix, altitude, and proposed departure time to prevent delays and systemic inefficiencies.
While ATC can assist by amending parts of an existing flight plan (like departure times or routes), they generally don't create new ones or add personal pilot details, underscoring the necessity of correct and careful initial filing by the pilot.

See a mistake? Contact us.

How many of you file your own flight plan? How many of you file VFR flight plans? Of course, airlines have their own operations and dispatch departments who do all the background work and file the flight plans. With most Part 91 and some 135 operators, “Who filed what?” often gets to the person working clearance delivery, who has to sort it out to make sure your flight plan is good to go.

VFR vs. IFR