Quick Guide to Filing a VFR Flight Plan

Flight plan filing takes minutes but provides critical safety protection. Here’s a quick guide to getting it done right.

What You Need

Before filing, gather: aircraft N-number and type, departure and destination airports, route (direct or via airways), cruising altitude, estimated time en route, fuel on board, pilot name and contact information.

Filing Methods

1800wxbrief.com: Free online filing with integrated weather briefing. Most pilots use this method.

Foreflight/Garmin Pilot: In-app filing if you use these EFBs. Fast and convenient.

Phone: Call 1-800-WX-BRIEF. Useful when internet isn’t available.

Critical Steps

Open the plan: After departure, call FSS or use an app to activate your flight plan. An unfiled plan provides no protection.

Close the plan: Upon arrival, close it immediately. Failure to close triggers search and rescue—embarrassing and expensive for everyone.

VFR vs IFR

VFR flight plans are optional but recommended. IFR flight plans are required and include ATC clearance. VFR plans don’t provide ATC services—they’re for search and rescue only.

The Bottom Line

Filing takes five minutes. It costs nothing. If you disappear, someone knows where to look. File every cross-country flight—it’s simple insurance against the unexpected.