Filing a flight plan (FPL) is a crucial part of pre-flight planning for IFR and many VFR operations. The ICAO flight plan form may look intimidating at first, but once you know what each field means, it’s actually straightforward.
🧭 When Is a Flight Plan Required?
- For IFR flights.
- Cross-border flights (international).
- Search and Rescue (SAR) support.
- Night VFR (in many countries).
📋 ICAO Flight Plan Format Breakdown
Let’s break down the main fields you need to fill:
| Field | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Aircraft Identification (Call sign) | VTABC |
| 8 | Flight Rules / Type of Flight | I / G (IFR / General Aviation) |
| 9 | Number & Type of Aircraft, Wake Category | 1/C172/L |
| 10 | Equipment (Nav/Comm & Surveillance) | S/C |
| 13 | Departure Aerodrome & Time (UTC) | VOBL1200 |
| 15 | Cruising Speed, Level, Route | N0100A050 DCT VOMM |
| 16 | Destination, EET, Alternate | VOMM0100 VOCL |
| 18 | Other Info (e.g., RMK, PBN, SEL, DEP) | RMK/TRAINING FLT |
| 19 | Supplementary Info (fuel, persons, etc.) | 4 HRS, 2 POB, JACK/LIFEJACKET |
🗂️ Field-by-Field Notes:
- VTABC: Aircraft reg/call sign.
- VG: VFR flight, general aviation.
- C172/L: Cessna 172, Light category.
- S/C: Standard radio/nav + Mode C transponder.
- VOBL1200: Departing Bangalore at 1200Z.
- N0100A050: 100 knots, FL050 (or A050).
- DCT VOMM: Direct route to Chennai.
- VOMM0100 VOCL: Destination: Chennai, EET 1 hr, alternate Coimbatore.
- RMK/TRAINING FLIGHT: Remarks.
- E/0400: 4 hours fuel.
- P/02: 2 persons onboard.
- R/1: 1 emergency radio.
- S/L: Life jackets on board.
🛠️ Pro Tips:
✅ File early: At least 60 minutes before ETD for IFR.
✅ Use tools like Rocket Route, Sky Demon, or local ARO portals.
✅ Always double-check NOTAMs & weather.
