VFRFlightPlans

VFRFlightPlans refers to the practice of filing a flight plan for operations conducted under Visual Flight Rules. It is designed to provide aviation authorities with advance information about a flight’s intended route, altitude, speed, and timing, enabling weather and traffic coordination and improving search-and-rescue capability should the aircraft become overdue. In many jurisdictions filing is voluntary for most general aviation flights, but may be required for certain airspace, cross-border operations, or commercial practice.

A VFR flight plan typically includes: aircraft identification and type, equipment and capabilities (such as transponder and communications), departure airport and destination, proposed route, cruising altitude and estimated airspeed, departure and estimated arrival times, estimated fuel on board and endurance, number of occupants, and emergency contact information. It may also note alternate airports and any special operating conditions.

Filing is usually done with a flight-service provider, via electronic systems, telephone, or, where available, an ATC unit. The pilot must activate the plan prior to departure and close it after landing. If the plan is not activated or closed, search-and-rescue procedures may be initiated if the aircraft is believed overdue. Changes to the flight plan can usually be filed en route.

VFRFlightPlans interact with airspace rules in various ways. In some regions special forms such as DVFR (defense VFR) or SVFR (special VFR) exist for border crossings or operations under weather minima. VFR flight plans differ from IFR flight plans, which are governed by instrument procedures and weather minimums and typically require IFR clearance.