Definitions Flight Plan Specified information provided to air traffic service units, relative to an intended flight or portion of a flight of an aircraft. Repetitive Flight Plan (RPL) A flight plan related to a series of frequently recurring, regularly operated individual flights with identical basic features. Submitted by an operator for retention and repetitive use by ATS units.
Filed Flight Plan The flight plan as filed with an ATS unit by the pilot or a designated representative. Without any subsequent changes. Current Flight Plan The flight plan, including changes, if any. Brought about by subsequent clearances. Estimated Elapsed Time The estimated time required to proceed from one significant point to another. Estimated Off-Block Time The estimated time at which the aircraft will commence movement associated with departure.
Estimated Time of Arrival IFR flights initial approach fix VFR flights overhead the aerodrome
When to file a Flight Plan: For all flights within Class A Airspace For all flights within any Controlled Airspace in IMC or at night, except for those operating under SVFR For all flights within any Controlled Airspace in VMC if the flight is to be conducted in accordance with IFR For all flights within Class B-D Controlled Airspace irrespective of weather conditions. For all flights which will cross the FIR Boundary For any flight in Class F Airspace wishing to participate in the air Traffic Advisory Service. A VFR flight plan may be filed for any flight (SAR) Search and Rescue
Submission Time Parameters Normally, flight plans should be filed on the ground at least 60 minutes before clearance to start up or taxi is requested To Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM ) minimum of 3 hours North Atlantic flights minimum of 3 hours Airborne flight plan at least 10 minutes prior
Changes, Delays or Cancellation of a Flight Plan Delays more than 30 minutes Change of speed or level (deviation more than) 5% TAS or 0.01 Mach 3 minutes Action when the Destination Aerodrome has no ATSU or AFTN Link Closing flightplan within 30 minutes of estimated landing time. Airborne or by other means
Repetitive Flight Plans (RPL) IFR Regularly on the same weekday Consecutive weeks At least ten consecutive occasions At least ten consecutive days Each flight plan shall have a high degree of stability
Computer Flight Plans ICAO Flight Plan General Principles (database containing) Co-ordinates and identification for beacons, waypoints and aerodromes Meteorological data The operator s standard routes ATC routes, airways, SIDS and STARS North Atlantic Tracks The operator s fuel management data The structural limits and performance details of all the aircraft types operated Aerodrome dimensions and meteorological information in order that the regulated take-off and landing performance data can be calculated The operator s preferred alternate airfield data The operator s fuel costing policy
Computer Flight Plans ICAO Flight Plan General Principles (database containing) cont. The operator s preferred aircraft operating method e.g. Long Range Cruise, High speed Cruise, Cruise Climb, Constant Mach No Computers or not, it is the Captain s responsibility to make sure it is correct.
Computer Flight Plans Checking Accuracy It is up to date and using the latest forecasts The fuel amounts and flight times make sense for the time of year The track directions and distances are sensible The wind velocities and average wind component tally with the meteorological forecast The alternates chosen are acceptable The method of cruise control IS appropriate If the route is a new one, or one rarely flown, then refer to the aircraft s Simplified Fuel Planning Data to verify the computerized plan