IFR - Flight Planning

What does it mean when an aircraft is considered overdue?

It means an aircraft for which an arrival report has not been filed.

When is an aircraft considered overdue where a flight plan has been filed?

Immediately after the Search and Rescue notification time, if specified, or within 1 hour after the last reported ETA.

When is an aircraft considered overdue where a flight itinerary has been filed?

Immediately after the Search and Rescue notification time, if specified, or within 24 hours after the last reported ETA.

What must the PIC be familiar with before flight?

All available information appropriate to the intended flight, including weather and NOTAMs.

When must an IFR flight plan be filed?

No PIC shall operate an aircraft in IFR flight unless an IFR flight plan has been filed.

When may a PIC file an IFR flight itinerary instead of a flight plan?

When the flight is conducted in part or in whole outside controlled airspace, or when facilities are inadequate to permit communication of flight plan information to ATC, FSS, or CARS.

What is required for flights between Canada and a foreign state?

A flight plan must be filed.

When can consecutive IFR flight plans be filed?

At the initial point of departure if the initial and intermediate stops are within Canada and occur within one 24-hour period.

What is the exception to the consecutive IFR flight plan rule?

Two trans-border flight plans may be filed at once if the aircraft lands to clear customs and continues to a second destination in controlled airspace.

What defines an instrument training flight?

A flight with no intermediate stops where one or more instrument approaches are made enroute.

What is required for instrument training flight plans?

Use a single flight plan and list requested approaches in the “Other Information” section.

Is approach time included in the EET for instrument training flights?

No, the EET does not include time for the approaches.

What are the filing time requirements for flight plans?

Domestic flights: at least 30 minutes prior to ETD; between Canada and a foreign state: at least 60 minutes prior; flights to the U.S.: at least 60 minutes prior.

Where can a flight plan be filed?

With ATC, FSS, or CARS.

Where can a flight itinerary be filed?

With a responsible person (ATC, FSS, CARS, or anyone who has agreed to report the aircraft if overdue).

How can a flight plan or itinerary be filed?

Over the phone, radio, or in person.

Can intermediate stops be included in a single IFR flight plan?

No, intermediate stops may not be included.

When can intermediate stops be included in an IFR flight itinerary?

If the stop is in uncontrolled airspace and listed by repeating the name of the stopping point and its duration in the route section.

What must a PIC do if intending to change an IFR flight plan or itinerary?

Notify ATC or the responsible person as soon as practicable, and if in controlled airspace, receive an ATC clearance before making the change.

What changes must be reported in a flight plan?

TAS change >5% or 0.01 Mach, ETA error >3 minutes, or change from IFR to VFR (or vice versa).

When is an arrival report not required for IFR flights?

When terminating at an aerodrome with an operating ATC unit or FSS, unless requested.

When must an arrival report be filed if there is no ATC or FSS?

No later than the SAR time specified in the flight plan or within 1 hour after the last reported ETA.

How can IFR cancellation be made in VFR conditions?

By advising ATC while in contact: “Canceling IFR at this time.”

What are the IFR fuel requirements for propeller-driven aircraft with an alternate?

Sufficient fuel to fly to and execute an approach and missed approach at destination, fly to and land at the alternate, and fly for 45 minutes.

What are the IFR fuel requirements for propeller-driven aircraft without an alternate?

Sufficient fuel to fly to and execute an approach and missed approach at the destination and then fly for 45 minutes.

What are the IFR fuel requirements for jet aircraft with an alternate?

Fuel to fly to and execute an approach and missed approach at destination, fly to and land at the alternate, and fly for 30 minutes.

What are the IFR fuel requirements for jet aircraft without an alternate?

Fuel to fly to and execute an approach and missed approach at destination and then fly for 30 minutes.

What is the 45/30 minute flight time in IFR fuel requirements?

It represents reserve fuel.

What situations may cause reserve fuel to be used?

Time enroute exceeding ETE, time enroute to alternate exceeding ETE, time spent in holds, or delays in obtaining clearances.

When must a pilot declare “MINIMUM FUEL”?

When committed to land at a specific aerodrome and any change in clearance may result in landing with less than planned final reserve fuel.

Is “MINIMUM FUEL” an emergency?

No, it is an advisory indicating no additional delay can be accepted.

When must a pilot declare a fuel emergency?

When predicted usable fuel upon landing will be less than planned final reserve fuel.

What phrase is used to declare a fuel emergency?

“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, FUEL.”

What does “MAYDAY FUEL” mean?

The aircraft is now using its last resort reserve fuel; this is an emergency.

What does contingency fuel account for?

Taxiing, foreseeable delays, meteorological conditions, air traffic routings, possible engine failure, and any other conditions that may delay landing.

What is the purpose of mandatory IFR routes?

To guide pilots in planning, minimize route changes during operations, and aid efficient and orderly air traffic management.

When will ATC not honour requests for alternate routes?

When there is no operational need, such as when “direct is shorter” is the only reason.

What is a valid operational reason to deviate from mandatory IFR routes?

A single-engine aircraft requesting to stay over land.