VFR · Lesson 56 · 9 min · ACS PA.I.D · ACS PA.VI

Flight Plans, Chart Currency, Diversions and Getting Un-Lost

Summary

File and open a VFR plan for the safety net, and close it on arrival. Plan on current charts, divert by turning first and estimating second, and use the four Cs if you get lost.

Cyndy Hollman · third-party video

Also watch

Speed 1 times
Quick check ▾

One question on what you just read.

Question 1 of 1

VFR flight plan filing, opening, and closing · Topic mastery: Not started

Exit

0 of 1 answered

Which statement about a VFR flight plan is correct?

Choose one answer
Knowledge check (4) →Ask about this lessonAll lessons in this module

Why this matters in flight

A filed flight plan is your safety net if you go missing, a current chart keeps your planning accurate, and a calm diversion or lost procedure turns a surprise into a non-event. These are the skills that keep a routine cross-country routine.

A VFR flight plan is optional but strongly recommended, because it triggers search and rescue if you go overdue. Remember that it is not a clearance and does nothing until you activate it: a VFR flight plan is filed with Flight Service and must be opened by radio, phone, or electronic means — it is not opened automatically. You must also close it when you arrive; an unclosed VFR plan can launch an unnecessary search. Plan on current charts: sectionals expire and are revised on a fixed cycle, and airspace, frequencies, and obstacles change, so an expired chart can hide a real hazard. When circumstances force a change, divert promptly — turn toward the new airport first, then estimate heading, distance, time, and fuel; a rough estimate made now beats a precise one made too late, and when the situation is urgent you go to the nearest suitable airport. If you become lost, hold a heading and fly the airplane, then try to fix your position from landmarks, navaids, and time flown. If still unsure, use the four Cs — climb, communicate, confess, and comply — and contact ATC or Flight Service for help rather than pressing on and burning fuel. Reserve squawk 7700 for a genuine emergency or urgent situation, or a code ATC assigns; otherwise stay on your assigned code and follow ATC instructions.

Key terms

Open / close a flight plan
Activating a filed VFR plan with Flight Service and canceling it on arrival.
Chart currency
Using a non-expired chart so airspace and obstacle data are correct.
Four Cs
Climb, communicate, confess, comply — the lost-pilot memory aid.

Sources & references · 4 · 4 linked

Every claim traces to a source — paraphrased knowledge elements pointing at the governing FAA publication. Items marked verified have been checked against the retrieved source text; the rest are pending verification. Where the exact page or regulation has been located in a retrieved document, the source links straight to it.

  • AIM 5-1 / VFR flight plans — Aeronautical Information Manual verifiedAIM 5-1 (p. 319)
  • AIM 9-1 / aeronautical charts — Aeronautical Information Manual verifiedAIM 9-1 (p. 651)
  • PHAK Ch. 16 / diversion procedures — Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge verifiedPHAK Ch. 16 (p. 388)
  • PHAK Ch. 16 / lost procedures — Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge verifiedPHAK Ch. 16 (p. 388)

Community

Community

Ask for more detail or suggest additions to make this lesson better. Community input — not authoritative and not CFI-reviewed.

Sign in or create a free account to join the conversation.

No comments yet — be the first to help improve this lesson.