Flight Plan/Notification
A flight plan or flight notification is a specified information document provided to ATC or FIC before a flight, containing details about the intended operation. A flight plan activates alerting service and enables ATC to provide IFR control service. A flight notification is the VFR equivalent — it records departure and intent but does not activate IFR separation service.
Contents of a Flight Plan
- Aircraft identification and type
- Departure and destination aerodromes
- Estimated departure time and ETA
- Cruise altitude and speed
- Route of flight
- Persons on board and fuel endurance
- Emergency and survival equipment
- Alternate aerodrome (if required)
Filing and Activating
File with FIC by phone (1-866-WXBRIEF), radio, or online through the NAV CANADA filing system. An IFR flight plan must be filed at least 30 minutes before proposed departure. VFR flight plans should be filed at least 60 minutes before departure if possible. Activate the plan by advising ATC/FIC of actual departure — a filed but unactivated plan provides no protection.
On the TC Written Exam
Flight plan filing and content is a core exam topic. Know: who to file with, when to file, what must be included, how to activate, and how to close.
Related Terms
See also: Alerting Service, Arrival Report, Flight Itinerary.