AI.II.I.K8FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Knowledge
Procedures for activating and closing a VFR flight plan.
Procedures for activating and closing a VFR flight plan.
Bottom line
Filing a flight plan is not required by regulations; however, it is a good operating practice since the information contained in the flight plan can be used in search and rescue in the event of an emergency. A pilot is responsible for ensuring that his/her VFR or DVFR flight plan is canceled.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1/2 hour after your ETA | SAR starts |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-21) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AIM 5-1-14 (Closing VFR/DVFR Flight Plans) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- 14 CFR 91.153 (VFR flight plan: Information required.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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