How to Choose a Flight Plan

You've planned your flight, and now you need to let the air traffic controllers know where you want to go and how you want to get there. To do this, you must choose a flight plan and file it with a Flight Service Station. Read on to learn what information the Flight Service Station requires and how to enter it correctly on an FAA flight plan.

Instructions

1. Get an FAA Form 7233-1. This is the Federal Aviation Administration's civilian flight-plan form. It's possible to file a flight plan without having a hard copy of this form, but expect the flight service specialist to ask you all of the information on the form when you file.

2. Select the type of flight plan you wish to file. Use DVFR to file a VFR flight plan over international waters. Put the entire aircraft's tail number into block 2. In block 3, put the ATC identifier of the aircraft you are flying along with its equipment suffix. For example, a Cessna 172 with a mode C transponder would be "C-172/U."

3. Write the true airspeed you expect to fly when at your first cruising altitude in block 4. In block 5, put the departure airport's identifier. Enter the proposed departure time in block 6. Most Flight Service Stations keep the flight plan on file for two hours before and after this time.

4. Enter your first cruising altitude in block 7 as a flight level. For example, if you are planning a westerly VFR flight at 6,500 feet, enter "65." Block 8 is where you file your route of flight. You can enter NAVAIDs, Airports or even radials from a NAVAID. 50 nautical miles on the 37 degree radial from Des Moines, Iowa's VOR would be written as "DSM037050". List any departures or arrivals you would like to fly in this block.

5. Put the name and location of your destination airport in block 9. Your estimated time en route from your departure point all the way to your destination should be put in block 10.

6. Enter any comments or requests that don't have a specific spot in block 11. For example, you can include where you want to switch from a VFR to IFR flight plan. In block 12, put the amount of fuel you have on board in terms of hours and minutes. If you are filing an IFR flight plan and require an alternate airport, put it in block 13. If you are on a VFR flight plan or don't require an alternate, leave it blank.

7. Write the pilot's name and contact information in block 14. The flight service station may call this number if they have any questions when filing the flight plan. The number of people aboard the flight goes in block 15. Enter the color of the airplane as the major trim color on the base color, for example "blue on white." Finally, enter a destination phone number in block 17. If you forget to close your flight plan or if something happens, this is the number they will call.