What is the process for filing a flight plan?

Filing a flight plan is an important step in the aviation process. In the District of Columbia, pilots are required to file a flight plan with the FAA or Flight Service Station (FSS) prior to any flight. This plan outlines the planned route of the flight, estimated departure and arrival times, and any altitudes or airspace limits that must be adhered to. It is also necessary to provide information on the type of aircraft, pilot qualifications, aircraft registration, and the number of passengers. The process to file a flight plan in the District of Columbia is as follows: First, the pilot must contact the local FSS or Flight Control Center and request to file a flight plan. This flight plan must include all relevant information about the flight, such as the aircraft being used, the route, the proposed departure and arrival times, and estimated altitude. When the plan is filed, an Air Traffic Control Specialist will enter the plan into the FAA flight plan system and provide the pilot with an ATC clearance number. The pilot can then inform the ATC specialist of any changes to the flight plan, such as a change in route, departure time, etc. Once the flight plan is filed, the ATC specialist will give the pilot an estimated time of departure, which the pilot must adhere to. The pilot must also stay in contact with the ATC specialist in order to be cleared for takeoff. After the flight plan is filed, it will remain active until the pilot advises the ATC specialist that the flight has been cancelled or completed.

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