1. When Is a Flight Plan Required?
Flight plan requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, type of flight, and airspace. Here's a comparison of major regions:
| Scenario | USA | Europe (EASA) | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFR - Local flight | Optional | Varies by country | Optional (within 25nm) |
| VFR - Cross-country domestic | Recommended | Often required | >25nm from departure |
| VFR - International | Required | Required | Required |
| IFR - Any flight | Required | Required | Required |
| Night VFR | Recommended | Often required | Required |
| Over water (>50nm from shore) | Required | Required | Required |
European Country-Specific Requirements
Germany: VFR flight plan required when crossing FIR boundaries or for flights >50km from departure.
France: VFR flight plan recommended, required for certain zones and international flights.
Austria: VFR flight plan required for cross-border flights.
Switzerland: VFR flight plan required for international flights and certain airspace.
UK: VFR flight plan required for international flights; recommended for SAR purposes domestically.
2. ICAO Flight Plan Format
The ICAO flight plan format is used worldwide (with minor regional variations). Understanding this format is essential for international operations.
(FPL-N12345-VG
-C172/L-S/C
-KJFK1200
-N0110A045 DCT ABC DCT
-KLGA0030
-DOF/260126 RMK/TRAINING FLIGHT)
Key Fields Explained
Field 7: Aircraft Identification
Aircraft registration (N12345) or callsign. Maximum 7 characters.
Field 8: Flight Rules & Type
I = IFR, V = VFR, Y = IFR first then VFR, Z = VFR first then IFR
G = General Aviation, S = Scheduled, N = Non-scheduled
Field 9: Aircraft Type & Equipment
ICAO type designator (C172), wake turbulence category (/L = Light), and equipment codes.
Field 10: Equipment & Capabilities
COM/NAV equipment (S = Standard VHF, VOR, ILS) and surveillance (C = Mode C transponder).
Field 15: Route
Cruise speed (N0110 = 110 knots), altitude (A045 = 4500ft or F045 = FL045), route points.
Field 16: Destination & ETE
ICAO airport code and estimated elapsed time (0030 = 30 minutes).
3. Filing in the United States
1800wxbrief.com
Official FAA Flight Service
- • Free web and phone service
- • File VFR, IFR, and DVFR
- • Integrated weather briefing
- • Phone: 1-800-WX-BRIEF
ForeFlight / Garmin Pilot
EFB Applications
- • Direct AFSS connection
- • File from your device
- • Automatic route validation
- • Amendment and cancellation
US VFR Flight Plans
VFR flight plans in the US are not mandatory for domestic flights but are strongly recommended for cross-country flights. They provide essential SAR protection. IFR flight plans are mandatory and are handled by ATC, not Flight Service.
4. Filing in Europe
European flight plan filing is more centralized than the US, with EUROCONTROL's IFPS handling all IFR traffic across the network.
IFR Flight Plans
EUROCONTROL IFPS
All IFR flights in EUROCONTROL airspace must be filed through IFPS. The system validates routes against the RAD (Route Availability Document) and airspace restrictions.
• Earliest: 120 hours before EOBT
• Latest: 3 hours before EOBT (recommended 4+ hours)
VFR Flight Plans by Country
Germany (DFS)
File via DFS AIS portal or by phone/fax. VFR flight plans should be filed at least 30 minutes before departure. Required for FIR boundary crossings and flights >50km.
Austria (Austro Control)
File via SOFIA briefing system. Required for international flights and recommended for domestic cross-country. Can be filed up to 24 hours in advance.
France (SIA)
File via OLIVIA system on SIA website. VFR flight plans can be filed up to 24 hours ahead. Required for international flights and RTBA (military) airspace.
Switzerland (Skyguide)
File via Skybriefing.com portal. Required for international flights and recommended for Alpine crossings. Note: Swiss airspace has specific VFR routes for crossing.
5. Filing in Canada
NAV CANADA Flight Services
- • Online filing through CFPS (Canadian Flight Planning System)
- • Phone: 1-866-WX-BRIEF (1-866-992-7433)
- • Integrated weather briefing and NOTAMs
- • ICAO 2012 format support
Canadian VFR Requirements
In Canada, a VFR flight plan or flight itinerary is required for flights more than 25 nautical miles from the departure aerodrome. A flight itinerary (filed with a responsible person) is an alternative to a formal flight plan for VFR flights.
6. Activating Your Flight Plan
Filing a flight plan does NOT automatically activate it. You must activate the plan before or at departure.
IFR Activation
IFR flight plans are activated when you receive your IFR clearance from ATC. No separate activation is required.
VFR Activation
VFR flight plans must be activated by:
- • Radio call to Flight Service/FIS
- • Phone call before departure
- • Request via ATC (tower)
Tip: If departing from a towered airport, request "VFR flight plan activation" during your departure. The tower will coordinate with Flight Service.
7. Closing Your Flight Plan
This Is Non-Negotiable
You MUST close your flight plan after landing. Failure to do so will trigger search and rescue operations, potentially costing thousands of dollars and diverting emergency resources from real emergencies.
Closing Methods
EASIEST Via ATC (Towered Airports)
At towered airports, simply request "close VFR flight plan" when contacting ground control after landing. The tower will close it for you.
Via Radio (Flight Service / FIS)
Contact Flight Service or Flight Information Service on the appropriate frequency and request closure. This works airborne or on the ground if you have radio coverage.
Via Phone
Call the appropriate Flight Service station. This is often the only option at untowered airports without radio coverage.
Closing at Untowered Fields
Landing at an untowered airport requires extra attention to flight plan closure. Here are your options:
Option 1: Contact FIS Before Landing
Before descending below radio coverage, contact Flight Information Service and request closure "upon landing" at your destination.
"München Information, D-EABC"
"D-EABC, München Information, go ahead"
"D-EABC, 15 miles northwest of Augsburg, descending to land at
Augsburg. Request close flight plan upon landing."
"D-EABC, wilco, flight plan will be closed upon your landing at Augsburg.
Squawk VFR, frequency change approved."
Option 2: Close by Phone After Landing
Call the Flight Service / AIS center immediately after landing and engine shutdown.
United States
Flight Service (Lockheed Martin)
1-800-WX-BRIEF
(1-800-992-7433)
Germany
DFS AIS
+49 6103 707-5500
24/7 operation
Austria
Austro Control FIC
+43 5 1703 1000
24/7 operation
Canada
NAV CANADA Flight Services
1-866-WX-BRIEF
(1-866-992-7433)
France
SIA
+33 1 56 30 95 00
24/7 operation
Switzerland
Skyguide FIC
+41 43 931 61 11
During operating hours
What to Say When Closing
Be prepared with the following information:
- • Aircraft callsign/registration
- • Departure airport
- • Arrival airport
- • Actual arrival time (local or UTC)
"Flight Service, this is November One Two Three Four Five,
closing VFR flight plan. Departed Teterboro, arrived Block Island,
on the ground at 1845 Zulu."
Common FIS/Flight Watch Frequencies
| Region | Frequency | Service |
|---|---|---|
| USA (nationwide) | 122.2 MHz | Flight Service (also check sectional for RCO) |
| Germany (nationwide) | 124.725 MHz | Langen Information |
| Germany (south) | 128.950 MHz | München Information |
| Austria | 124.400 MHz | Wien Information |
| Switzerland | 124.700 MHz | Zürich Information |
| France (north) | 126.700 MHz | Paris Information |
| UK (London FIR) | 124.750 MHz | London Information |
8. What Happens If You Don't Close?
SAR Timeline (USA)
Flight Service begins trying to contact you and the destination airport
ALNOT (Alert Notice) issued - search planning begins
INREQ (Information Request) - contacting emergency contacts
Active search and rescue operations may begin
Potential Consequences
- Financial: You may be billed for SAR costs. Helicopter search operations can cost thousands of dollars per hour.
- Certificate Action: FAA/CAA may take action against your pilot certificate for careless or reckless operation (FAR 91.13).
- Resource Diversion: SAR resources diverted from your forgotten flight plan could delay response to an actual emergency.
- Embarrassment: Your emergency contacts will be called, possibly in the middle of the night, causing unnecessary worry.
Pro Tip: Set a Reminder
Set a phone alarm for 15 minutes after your planned arrival time that says "CLOSE FLIGHT PLAN." Even if you get distracted post-landing, this backup reminder can save you from triggering SAR.