CA.I.D.K4FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
Elements of a VFR flight plan.
Elements of a VFR flight plan.
Bottom line
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each person filing a VFR flight plan must include the information listed in 14 CFR 91.153. Within the continental U.S., a VFR flight plan is not normally required, but it is strongly recommended that one be filed with a Flight Service Station or equivalent flight plan filing service.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| VFR flight plan proposals are normally retained for two hours following the proposed time of departure | Retention |
| Search and rescue procedures start if you fail to report or cancel within 1/2 hour after your ETA | SAR trigger |
| Fuel on board is reported in hours | Fuel on board |
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.153 (VFR flight plan: Information required.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AIM 5-1-5 (Flight Plan - VFR Flights) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- 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)
- AIM 5-1-9 (Single Flights Conducted With Both VFR and IFR Flight Plans) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-34) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AIM 5-1-8 (Flight Plan – Defense VFR (DVFR) Flights) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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