Filing a flight plan: where, when, how
Where:
| Filing | Goes to |
|---|---|
| Flight plan | ATS unit or community aerodrome radio station (CAR 602.75(1)) |
| Briefing information | FIC, where complete briefing information is available (the regulation's term "flight service station" includes an FIC) |
| IFR flight plan | Flight planning section of an ACC |
When:
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| IFR lead time | As early as practicable, preferably at least 30 min before proposed departure; then expected to depart per flight plan ETD |
| Advance filing | Up to 24 hr before proposed departure (TC AIM RAC 3.15.5.2) |
How (filed once): information is sent and acknowledgement of receipt is received (CAR 602.75(3)).
Form limits:
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Itinerary duration | Canadian itinerary max 30 days total; EET may include number of days (TC AIM RAC 3.15.7.1) |
| Destination alternates | Max two (TC AIM RAC 3.15.7.2) |
| VFR plan or itinerary | No alternate needed (TC AIM RAC 3.15.7.2) |
Trap: IFR plan goes to the ACC, not the FIC; transmitting is not filing (no acknowledgement, not filed); 5 or 15 min falls short of 30; 24 hr advance window is not the 30-day itinerary cap.
References
- TC AIM RAC 3.5.2
- TC AIM RAC 3.15.5.2
- TC AIM RAC 3.15.7.1
- TC AIM RAC 3.15.7.2