Flight plans & ATC
Flight plans link operational planning to ATC. The exam tests when to file, what each ICAO item contains, and when amendments or cancellation are mandatory.
When is a flight plan required?
Section titled “When is a flight plan required?”Filing times
Section titled “Filing times”| Situation | Minimum lead time |
|---|---|
| Normal controlled departure | 60 minutes before EOBT |
| Unforeseen circumstances | 30 minutes before EOBT |
| Atlantic/Pacific crossing or ATFM airspace | 3 hours before EOBT |
| Already airborne entering controlled airspace | 10 minutes before entry |
| Leaving parking (general guidance) | 1 hour before |
Delays, amendments and cancellation
Section titled “Delays, amendments and cancellation”In-flight reporting to ATC
Section titled “In-flight reporting to ATC”Repetitive flight plan (RPL)
Section titled “Repetitive flight plan (RPL)”ICAO flight plan items (exam favourites)
Section titled “ICAO flight plan items (exam favourites)”Item 7 — Aircraft identification
Section titled “Item 7 — Aircraft identification”RTF callsign to be used.
Item 8 — Flight rules and type
Section titled “Item 8 — Flight rules and type”| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| S | Scheduled |
| N | Non-scheduled |
| G | General |
| M | Military |
| X | Other |
Item 9 — Number, type, wake turbulence
Section titled “Item 9 — Number, type, wake turbulence”Item 10 — Equipment
Section titled “Item 10 — Equipment”Item 13 — Departure aerodrome and time
Section titled “Item 13 — Departure aerodrome and time”ETD = time off blocks (not airborne).
Item 15 — Cruising speed, level, route
Section titled “Item 15 — Cruising speed, level, route”Item 16 — Destination, EET, alternates
Section titled “Item 16 — Destination, EET, alternates”Item 18 — Other information
Section titled “Item 18 — Other information”Examples: SELCAL code; STS/HOSP for health personnel in conflict zones.