What is a flight plan and when is it filed?

• A. A document detailing route, altitudes, speed, and fuel; filed with the appropriate authority before departure.
• B. A passenger manifest submitted after landing.
• C. A maintenance log created during flight.
• D. A weather forecast used for planning only.

Answer: (A)

A flight plan is a formal document that lays out the intended air route and operating details for a flight, so air traffic services can manage the flight safely. It includes the planned route, altitudes, speed, fuel endurance, aircraft identification and type, equipment, departure and destination airports, estimated departure and arrival times, and any alternates. It is filed with the appropriate authority or air traffic control before departure so controllers can provide clearances, arrange routing and separation, and assist in search-and-rescue if needed. In IFR operations, filing a flight plan is mandatory; in other cases it may be required or recommended depending on airspace and jurisdiction. This purpose is distinct from a passenger manifest (which is used after flight) or a maintenance log (for technical records), and it isn’t simply a weather forecast used for planning.