Flight Insights - Oral - Before Departing

Question 1

Where can a flight plan be filed?

Answer 1

1. Flight service by calling 1-800-WX-BRIEF OR 1800wxbrief.com or by calling a FSS once airborne.
2. Directly with ATC (aka ‘pop up’ clearance) where you request IFR whilst you’re VFR.
3. 3rd parties such as fltplan.com, Foreflight, and skyvector.com

Question 2

What is the minimum time prior to departure that a flight plan must be filed?

Answer 2

30 minutes

Question 3

What is a preferred route and where would you find it?

Answer 3

A normal, everyday route that air traffic control (ATC) would like operators to file. These routes were developed to increase system efficiency and capacity.
* User preferred routings can be found in the Chart supplement.

Question 4

What is an IFR release?

Answer 4

An Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) release refers to the authorization given to an aircraft by air traffic control for departure under IFR conditions.

The IFR release ensures proper coordination and sequencing.

Question 5

At non-tower controlled airports, how do you coordinate a release with ATC?

Answer 5

• Clearance frequency if available on field
• Phone line connection to ATC facility
• Relay through Flight Service using RCO or GCO.