How To Fill ICAO Flight Plan

Summary

In this detailed video, the presenter guides viewers through the process of completing an ICAO flight plan, explaining key elements such as flight rules, aircraft types, equipment codes, and departure/arrival details. The script provides a comprehensive breakdown of each section of the flight plan, including how to fill in sections like wake turbulence category, estimated times, and routes. The presenter also offers examples for better understanding, helping pilots, whether in general aviation or commercial flights, navigate the intricacies of filing a flight plan. The video is an essential resource for those looking to master the ICAO flight planning process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always leave the items preceding item 7 (flight information) blank, as they are completed by ATC and COM services.
• 😀 In item 7, enter your call sign, flight number, or aircraft registration, ensuring all letters are in capital letters.
• 😀 Item 8 specifies flight rules (VFR, IFR, or VFR-to-IFR) with corresponding letters: 'V' for VFR, 'I' for IFR, 'Z' for VFR-to-IFR transition, and 'Y' for IFR-to-VFR transition.
• 😀 For the flight type, 'S' is used for scheduled flights, 'M' for military, 'G' for general aviation, and 'X' for other types of flights.
• 😀 Item 9 is for formation flying; if not flying in formation, leave it blank. For formation, use '02' for the primary aircraft plus two companions.
• 😀 Aircraft type should be entered using ICAO codes (e.g., A350-900 as A359, or DA42 as DA42). Use the official ICAO website for designators if unsure.
• 😀 The wake turbulence category includes four designators: 'L' for light, 'M' for medium, 'H' for heavy, and 'J' for super (for A380).
• 😀 Item 10 is for specifying onboard equipment, including items like GNSS, VOR, and DME, followed by your SSR transponder type (e.g., Mode S).
• 😀 When entering cruising speed in item 15, use true airspeed (TAS) in knots (e.g., 'N150').
• 😀 For the route in item 16, include SID, airways, and STAR. Always follow the specific departure and arrival routes based on the flight plan.
• 😀 Estimated elapsed time (EET) in item 16 refers to the total time from departure until the arrival overhead the airport or the initial approach fix.

Q & A

What should be filled out before Item 7 in the ICAO flight plan?

Items preceding Item 7, such as the information completed by ATC and communication services, should be left blank by the person filling out the flight plan.

How do you enter flight rules in the ICAO flight plan?

The flight rules are indicated in Item 8. 'V' is used for VFR flights, 'I' for IFR flights, 'Z' for flights that change from VFR to IFR, and 'Y' for flights that start IFR and then switch to VFR.

What does the letter 'Z' signify in Item 8 of the flight plan?

'Z' signifies that the flight will start as VFR and then switch to IFR during the journey.

What types of flights are designated in the ICAO flight plan's Item 8?

In Item 8, 'S' is used for scheduled flights (such as airlines), 'M' for military flights, 'G' for general aviation flights, and 'X' for other flight types not falling into these categories.

When should the formation flying code be filled in the ICAO flight plan?

The formation flying code (Item 9) is only filled if the flight involves multiple aircraft flying together in formation. For example, '02' would be used for a primary aircraft and two accompanying aircraft.

What is the correct way to enter the type of aircraft in the ICAO flight plan?

The type of aircraft should be entered using ICAO designators, such as 'A359' for an Airbus A350-900 or 'DA42' for a Diamond DA-42. If unsure, the ICAO website can be consulted for the correct designator.

What are the different wake turbulence categories in the ICAO flight plan?

The wake turbulence categories are 'L' for light (aircraft with a maximum takeoff mass of 7,000 kg or less), 'M' for medium, 'H' for heavy, and 'J' for the Airbus A380, which is a super jumbo.

What should be entered in Item 10 for aircraft equipment?

In Item 10, you list the onboard equipment, such as GNSS, VOR, DME, SBAS, and SSR transponder capabilities (Mode A, C, or S). Each equipment type has a designated letter, like 'G' for GNSS and 'S' for standard equipment.

What is the difference between Mode A, Mode C, and Mode S transponders?

Mode A transponders report position, Mode C adds altitude, and Mode S provides all information from Mode A and C, plus pressure altitude, call sign, and allows data link communication like weather updates and traffic proximity.

How is the route of a flight specified in the ICAO flight plan?

In the ICAO flight plan, the route is specified with the SID (Standard Instrument Departure), waypoints, airways, and STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route). Each part is listed in the order it will be followed during the flight, including waypoints and airways like 'Bravo 415'.