Does the FAA require a flight plan?

Flight Plan Requirements All IFR flights require a flight plan submitted to an FAA facility or facilities as described in the U.S. Aeronautical Information Publication ( AIP ), Sections ENR 1.10 and ENR 1.11 and in the Aeronautical Information Manual ( AIM ), Section 5-1-6.



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VFR flight plans must be filed whenever an aircraft plans a cross-country flight and plans to operate under VFR flight rules. However, VFR flight plans are not required, only strongly recommended by the FAA, when an aircraft flies through class B airspace.

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As a general answer, flights at altitudes at and above 18,000 feet (5.49 km) above mean sea level require flight plans. Nevertheless, for flights at lower altitudes in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, the need for a flight plan is not mandatory across most of the airspace in the United States.

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14 CFR § 91.103, Preflight Action directs pilots to become familiar with all available information concerning a planned flight prior to departure, including NOTAMs. Pilots may change their flight plan based on available information. Current NOTAM information may affect: Aerodromes.

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You haven't flown through IMC without a clearance, have you? Technically, you can fly in IMC without a clearance in Class G airspace, because it's not controlled. Controlled airspace simply means you need a clearance to fly in the clouds. Class G airspace is uncontrolled, so it's not illegal to fly in the clouds.

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Filing a flight plan with the FAA is optional when flying VFR unless your flight takes you across the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a Distance Early Warning Identification Zone (DEWIZ), or international airspace.

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A visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft on a long, straight-in approach for landing never enters the traffic pattern unless performing a go-around or touch and go after landing (see paragraph 9.5). referring to the AIM and the PHAK.

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Where a flight plan is required, it must be submitted before departure to an air traffic services reporting office or, during flight, transmitted to the appropriate air traffic services unit or air-ground control radio station, unless arrangements have been made for submission of repetitive flight plans (RPLs).

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DVFR (Defense VFR) In the increased environment of national security that exists today, flight plans are required before penetrating or flying in Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). Expanded information can be found in FAR Part 99, Security Control of Air Traffic.

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The benefits of operating under IFR are numerous. Often the equipment on board allows for very precise flight along a route that is more direct than the twists and turns that might be required to dodge airspace and some weather under VFR.

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If there is any question of weather, you can (and should) retain your IFR clearance until on the ground and then cancel. However, there may be good reasons to cancel depending upon circumstances. For example somebody may be following you and cannot be cleared for the approach until you cancel your IFR clearance.

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