CA.I.D.K5FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
Procedures for filing, activating, and closing a VFR flight plan.
Procedures for filing, 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.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1/2 hour after ETA | SAR start |
| 2 hours after proposed departure time | Proposal retention |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-21) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- 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)
- 14 CFR 91.153 (VFR flight plan: Information required.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- 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)
Build understanding you can use
Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.
- Full teaching sections: What it is; Key points; Rules and numbers; How it is done
- Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
- Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them