Flight Plan Question

[UA-RESURRECTED]

Are flight plans always opened just prior or just after takeoff, or can you request that it be opened at a certain time, even if that time is a couple hours in advance???

 

[wrxpilot]

I've never done it that way myself, but you can tell them that you will meet the departure time but will be unable to open it for whatever reason. Theoretically they'll activate it for you at that time.

 

[UA-RESURRECTED]

I've never done it that way myself, but you can tell them that you will meet the departure time but will be unable to open it for whatever reason. Theoretically they'll activate it for you at that time.

Ah, okay. There will probably never be much of a reason to do it that way, but was just wondering about it....

Thanks.

 

[FlaZoomie]

Why would you want to "delay" it? What would that accomplish?

 

[paulsalem]

Why would you want to "delay" it? What would that accomplish?

If you were taking off from a place with out an RCO and it takes a while for you to go startup and taxi and takeoff. That way you don't "waste" some of your enroute time on the ground. That's my guess.

I have my students just over estimate the time when they file.

 

[Catbert]

I have my students add 15 minutes to their enroute time for maneuvering, arriving in the pattern, the inevitable go-around, and taxi/shutdown.

To avoid any ambiguity, I have them give actual time off, departure airport, and destination when opening the flight plan. I've seen too many briefers and students communicate poorly over the radio. This has lead to embarassing phone calls in the past.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Alway write down your takeoff time, preferably while you're holding short and ready to go. This will be the time the FSS will enter into their system regardless of when you contact them. If there is a delay for some reason while departing, lets say you have trafffic or complex airspace that requires that you holds off for several miles before calling FSS up, your flight plan timing won't be off.

Also, when contacting FSS give them your present position and direction of flight along with the time off. This can become important should something happen as it gives them your last known position. FSS also likes to have you state your position in reference to DME off a VOR radial. You should also state the frequency you're transmitting and receiving on as well.


Cessna 12345: "Anytown Radio - Cessna 12345 transmitting 122.6 receiving 117.4"

Anytown FSS: "12345 go ahead"

Cessna 12345: "12345 is 7 DME off the ABC 135 radial westbound and would like to activate our VFR flight plan. Time off is 1800 Zulu."

The FSS usually concludes with a readback of the time and a solicitation for PIREPS.

You're encouraged to submit PIREPS if able. Even if you're in good weather, it helps to get comfortable on the radio by practicing them.