| General |
- Use block capitals.
- Write only the words and phrases required by this guide.
- Don't use obliques or spaces where they aren't required.
- Start writing in the first available space in each box. If this means leaving blank spaces at the end of fields then so be it.
- Use UTC throughout. Enter times as 4-figure groups.
|
| Item 7: aircraft identification |
|
Enter the aircraft registration if you are using it as your callsign (without the hyphen, ie GBGBF). Enter your company callsign if that is what you are using. Be aware that if you use a company callsign then it will probably be abbreviated in this box, eg "Proflight 51" is put into box 7 as "PAP51". (With thanks to Professional Air Training) If you are filing VFR and have no radio then enter the aircraft registration.
|
| Item 8: flight rules and type of flight |
In the first box (flight rules) enter one of the following codes:
| IFR | "I" |
| VFR | "V" |
| IFR then VFR | "Y" |
| VFR then IFR | "Z" |
|
In the second box (type of flight) enter one of these codes:
| Scheduled air service | "S" |
| Non-scheduled air transport operation | "N" |
| General aviation | "G" |
| Military | "M" |
| Other | "X" |
|
| Item 9: number and type of aircraft, and wake turbulence category |
|
In the first box (number of aircraft) enter how many aircraft this flight plan covers. This will be "1" unless you are flying in a formation. Write this as "1 ", where the second character is blank.
|
In the second box (type of aircraft) enter the aircraft type designator as described here. If no designator has been assigned, or if you are flying in a formation with more than one type, enter "ZZZZ" and specify the numbers and types in item 18, preceded by "TYP/".
|
In the third box (wake turbulence category) enter one of the following codes:
| Heavy aircraft (MTOW >= 136000kg / 300000lb) | "H" |
| Medium-weight aircraft (MTOW > 7000kg / 15500lb but less than heavy) | "M" |
| Light aircraft (MTOW <= 7000kg (15500lb) | "L" |
|
| Item 10: equipment |
In the left hand side of the box, ie before the oblique mark, enter a combination of letters according to the following table.
| No COM/NAV equipment | "N" | |
| LORAN C | "C" | |
| DME | "D" | |
| ADF | "F" | |
| GNSS | "G" | |
| HF | "H" | |
| Inertial nav | "I" | |
| Data link | "J" | In item 18 enter "DAT/" followed by the equipment carried using a combination of these codes. |
| MLS | "K" | |
| ILS | "L" | |
| VOR | "O" | |
| RNP type certification | "R" | Inclusion of this code indicates that the aircraft has RNY type certification prescribed for the route segment/route/area concerned. |
| Standard COM/NAV equipment | "S" | This is considered to be VHF RT, ADF, VOR and ILS, unless a different combination is prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority. |
| TACAN | "T" | |
| UHF RT | "U" | |
| VHF RT | "V" | |
| RVSM approved | "W" | |
| MNPS approved* | "X" | |
| COM with 8.33kHz spacing | "Y" | Only 8.33kHz-equipped aircraft are allowed in the ICAO EUR region above FL245 unless operating in accordance with published exemptions (as published in the relevant State AIP). All UK military aircraft operate under State exemption. Operators planning flights in the ICAO EUR above FL245 are to enter "U" in box 10 and "STS/EXM833" in box 18. Although the UK will not implement 8.33kHz spacing until the new en-route centre at Swanwick is fully operational, operators are required to comply with these flight planning requirements in order to prevent rejection by IFPS. Operators of aircraft which are equipped with UHF but not with an 8.33kHz-capable radio should insert the letter "U" in box 10. |
| Other | "Z" | In item 18 enter "COM/" or "NAV/" followed by the relevant equipment. |
|
After the oblique mark, enter one of the following SSR codes:
| No transponder | "N" |
| Transponder mode A with 4096 codes | "A" |
| Transponder mode A/C with 4096 | "C" |
| Transponder mode S with a/c ident but no pressure altitude | "I" |
| Transponder mode S with pressure altitude but no a/c ident | "P" |
| Transponder mode S with a/c ident and pressure altitude | "S" |
| Transponder mode S with neither a/c ident nor pressure altitude | "X" |
|
If the a/c has ADS capability, enter "D" after the SSR code.
|
| Item 13: departure aerodrome and time |
- Insert the ICAO four-letter location indicator of the departure aerodrome.
- If no location indicator has been assigned, insert "ZZZZ" and in item 18 enter "DEP/" followed by the name of the aerodrome.
- If the flight plan is received from an aircraft in flight, enter "AFIL". In item 18 enter "DEP/" followed by the ICAO four-letter location indicator of the ATS unit from which supplementary flight plan data can be obtained. If submitted before departure, add the estimated off-block time (EOBT) or (if the aircraft is already airborne) the actual or estimated time over the first point of the route to which the flight plan applies.
|
| Item 15: cruising speed, level and route |
In the first box, enter the first cruising speed, including leading zeros, as follows:
| Using knots | Enter "N" plus four numbers, eg "N0140" for 140kts. |
| Using km/hr | Enter "K" plus four numbers, eg "K0140" for 140km/hr. |
| Using mach number | Enter "M" plus three numbers (expressing the mach number in hundredths), eg "M082" for Mach 0.82. |
|
In the second box, enter the first cruising level.
| Expressed as a flight level | Enter "F" plus three numbers, eg "F085" for FL85. |
| Expressed as an altitude | Enter "A" plus three numbers (expressing the altitude in hundreds of feet), eg "A030" for 3000ft |
| Expressed as Standard Metric Level | Enter "S" plus four numbers (expressing the level in tens of metres), eg "S1130" for 11300m |
| Expressed as an altitude in tens of metres | Enter "M" plus four numbers (expressing the altitude in tens of metres), eg "M0840" for 8400m. |
| For VFR flights which are not planned to be flown at a specific level | "VFR" |
|
In the third box, enter the route.
| Flights along designated ATS routes |
| Where a SID is available |
Unless specifically required by the relevant state (eg Germany) do not enter SID information, just put the significant point at the end of the SID, followed by the designator of the first ATS route. |
| Where a SID is not available |
Enter "DCT" followed by the point of joining the first ATS route, followed by the designator of the ATS route. |
|
Then insert each point at which either a change of speed or level, a change of ATS route and/or a change of flight rules is planned, followed by the designator of the next ATS route segment (even if it is the same as the previous one) or by "DCT" if the flight to the next point will be outside a designated route (unless both points are defined by geographical co-ordinates) then the first point of the STAR (or "DCT" if there is no appropriate STAR). (When a transition is planned between a lower and upper ATS route and the routes are oriented in the same direction, the point of transition need not be inserted). |
| Flights not along designated ATS routes |
Insert points, not normally more than 30 minutes' flying time or 200nms apart, including each point at which a change of speed or level, a change of track, or a chane of flight rules is planned. Separate points by "DCT" unless they are both defined by geographical co-ordinates or by bearing/distance.
| East-West flights |
When required by the appropriate ATS authority, define the track of flights operating predominantly in an east-west direction between 70°N and 70°S by reference to significant points formed by the intersection of half or whole degrees of latitude with meridians spaced at intervals of 10° of longitude |
| Polar flights |
For flights operating in areas outside 70°N and 70°S, the tracks shall be defined by significant points formed by the intersection of parallels of latitude with meridians normally spaced at 20° of longitude. The distance between significant points shall, as far as possible, not exceed one hour's flight time. Additinoal significant points shall be established as deemed necessary. |
| North-South flights |
For flights operating predominantly in a north-south direction, define tracks by reference to significant points formed by the intersection of whole degrees of longitude with specified parallels of latitude which are spaced at 5°. |
|
|
Conventions
- Use only the conventions listed blow and separate each sub-item with a space.
- ATS routes: Use 2-7 characters to specify the coded designator assigned to the route or route segment, including, where appropriate, the coded designator assigned to the SID or STAR.
- Significant points: Use 2-5 characters to specify the coded designator or, if no coded designator has been assigned, either:
- Degrees only (7 characters): 2 figures showing latitude in degrees, then "N" or "S", then 3 figures showing longitude in degrees, then "W" or "E". Use leading zeros if necessary to end up with 7 characters.
- Degrees and minutes (11 characters): 4 figures showing latitude in degrees and minutes, then "N" or "S", then 5 figures showing longitude in degrees and minutes, then "W" or "E". Use leading zeros if necessary to end up with 11 characters.
- Bearing and distance from a navaid: Enter 2 or 3 characters identifying the navaid, then the 3-figure bearing (°M) from the navaid, then 3 characters showing the distance in nms from the navaid. Use leading zeros if necessary to end up with either 8 or 9 characters (depending on whether the navaid is identified by 2 or 3 characters).
- Change of speed or level (max 21 characters): The point at which a change of speed (either >=5% TAS or >=0.01M) or a change of level is planned followed by an oblique stroke and both the cruising speed and the cruising level (expressed as explained above) without a space between them, even when only one of these will alter.
- Change of flight rules (max 3 characters): Enter the point at which the change of flight rules is planned, then a space, then either "VFR" or "IFR" depending on the new flight rules. If this point coincides with a change of speed or level then put the space and "VFR" or "IFR" after the position/speed/level combination. For example, if at the Dublin VOR (DUB) the aircraft will descend to 4000ft and reduce speed to 150kts, and also change from IFR to VFR, enter "DUB/A040N0150 VFR".
- Cruise climb (max 28 characters): Enter "C/", then the point at which the cruise climb is planned to start, then an oblique stroke, then the speed to be maintained during the climb, then the lower and upper levels of the climb. Use standard convention (as described above) for the levels, and don't insert unnecessary spaces. For example, if starting the cruise climb over the Dublin VOR and going from 3000ft to FL330 at 180kts, enter "C/DUB/N0180A030F330". If the upper level is not known at the time of filing, enter the word "PLUS" instead of the upper level, eg "C/DUB/N0180A030PLUS".
|
| Item 16: destination aerodrome, total estimated elapsed time, and alternate aerodrome(s) |
| In the first box, enter the ICAO 4-letter location indicator of the destination aerodrome. If no location indicator has been assigned, insert "ZZZZ" in the first box and in item 18 put "DEST/" followed by the name of the aerodrome. |
Enter the total estimated elapsed time in the second box. If the flight plan is submitted on the ground, the total EET commences at take-off. If submitted in the air, the total EET is the estimated time from the first point of the route to which the flight plan applies. |
In the third and fourth boxes, enter the ICAO 4-letter location indicators of the alternate and 2nd alternate aerodromes, if required. If no location indicator has been assigned enter "ZZZZ" and in item 18 enter "ALTN/" followed by the name of the aerodrome. |
| Item 18: other information |
Insert "0" (zero) if there is no other information. If there is further information, use one or more of the following codes, preferably in the order shown below. Put a space between the items if more than one are used.
| "RFP/" | Replacement Flight Plan. This code should be followed by "Qn" where "n" is the sequence number of the replacement. This is for use by flights within the EUR Region on routes subject to Air Traffic Flow Management. |
| "EET/" | Estimated Elapsed Time. Show times to significant points or FIR boundary designators and accumulated estimated elapsed times to such points or FIR boundaries, when so prescribed on the basis of regional navigation agreements, or by the appropriate ATS authority. |
| "RIF/" | Revised destination when In-Flight. Enter the route details to the revised destination aerodrome, followed by the ICAO 4-letter location indicator of the aerodrome. The revised route is subject to re-clearance in flight. |
| "REG/" | Enter the registration markings of the aircraft if different from the aircraft identification in item 7. NB: The airframe number is only to be included in the flight plan when the requirement is specified in national procedures. |
| "SEL/" | Enter the SELCAL code, if so prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority |
| "OPR/" | Enter the name of the operator if it is not obvious from the aircraft identification in item 7. |
| "STS/" | Enter any reason for special handling by ATS, eg "STS/EMER" for state of emergency, "STS/NONRNAV" for non-RNAV-compliant aircraft, "STS/EXM833" for aircraft exempt from the mandatory carriage of 8.33kHz radios, "STS/HUM" for humanitarian flights, "STS/HOSP" for medical flights specifically declared by the medical authorities, "STS/SAR" for SAR missions, "STS/HEAD" for flights with "Heads of State" status, "STS/STATE" for other than "Head of State" status specifically required by state authorities, and "STS/PROTECTED" for flight plans which should only be available to ATC (which are normally security-sensitive). |
| "TYP/" | Enter type(s) of aircraft, preceded if necessary by the number of them. This code is required if "ZZZZ" has been entered in item 9. |
| "PER/" | Enter aircraft performance data if so prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority. |
| "COM/" | Enter any significant data related to COM equipment as required by the appropriate ATS authority, eg "COM/UHF only". |
| "DAT/" | Enter any significant data related to data link capacity using one or more of the letters "S" (satellite), "H" (HF), "V" (VHF) and "M" (SSR Mode S), eg "DAT/M". |
| "NAV/" | Enter any significant data related to nav equipment as required by the appropriate ATS authority, eg "NAV/INS" |
| "DEP/" | Enter the name of the departure aerodrome if "ZZZZ" or "AFIL" have been entered in item 13. |
| "DEST/" | Enter the name of the destination aerodrome if "ZZZZ" has been entered in item 16. |
| "ALTN/" | Enter the name of the alternate aerodrome if "ZZZZ" has been entered in item 16. |
| "RALT/" | Enter the name of the en-route alternate aerodrome |
| "DOF/" | Enter the date of the flight in the format "yymmdd". This code should be used when a flight plan is filed between 24 and 96 hours prior to estimated off-block time (EOBT). |
| "RMK/" | This code can be used for any other plain language remarks as deemed necessary, eg "DIC" for a diplomatic clearance number. |
|
| Item 19: supplementary information |
- Endurance: insert a 4-figure number showing the fuel endurance in hours and minutes.
- Persons on board: insert the total number of persons on board, when required by the appropriate ATS authority. Insert "TBN" if the number is not known at the time of filing.
- Emergency and survival equipment: cross out the boxes which show equipment that is not carried.
- Aircraft colour and markings: enter the main colour and significant markings.
- Remarks: Cross out the "N" box if there are no remarks, otherwise indicate any other survival equipment or remarks relating to the survival equipment carried.
- Pilot: insert the name of the PIC.
- Filed by: insert the name of the unit, agency, or person filing the flight plan.
|
