What is the process for filing a flight plan?

Filing a flight plan in California requires pilots to provide full details of the flight route and aircraft details to the local Flight Service Station (FSS). Flight plans must be filed prior to takeoff and amended during the flight as necessary. The flight plan form includes several sections detailing the flight information, such as departure and destination airports, aircraft type, estimated time of departure and of arrival, route of flight, fuel onboard the aircraft, and the pilot’s contact information. Once the form is completed, there are several ways to submit the flight plan. Pilots can fax the form to the FSS, call to deliver the information verbally, or submit the flight plan online. When using an online system, the FSS will follow up with the pilot to ensure the information is accurate. The FSS will then approve the flight plan and relay the information to air traffic control and other aircraft in the area. They will also monitor the progress of the flight, and contact the pilot if anything changes. The pilot must then update their filed flight plan accordingly. When the flight is completed, the pilot must contact the FSS to close the flight plan. This can be done by phone, fax, or online. Doing so informs air traffic control that the pilot has returned safely, and allows them to keep track of all aircraft in the area.

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What is the process for filing a flight plan?

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