Preflight Planning

The first thing I want to recommend is that you file your flight plan via telephone when possible. We do understand in Alaska that there are times when telephone communications are not available, however it is preferred that you file over the phone when able.

The Alaska Supplement, in the "Procedures" section states, "Flight Plans may be submitted to the nearest Flight Service Station either in person or by telephone. Aircraft radio may be used if no other means are available." During the summer, when there is typically a lot of traffic, if a pilot files a flight plan over the radio it will, more often than not, end up causing a delay for other pilots calling on the radio. So as a courtesy to other pilots, please file over the phone when able. Remember, it is always safer to accomplish any task before a flight rather than during a flight so as to focus more attention outside the aircraft looking for traffic.

Domestic Flight Plans

Domestic Flight Plans are explained in great detail in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Chapter 5 beginning with paragraph 5-1-4. If you are interested in those details you may download a copy of the AIM from our Downloadable Publications page.

International Flight Plans

What is not so widely known to those pilots who normally do not fly outside the United States is the fact that, besides the domestic flight plan that all pilots are familiar with, there is also an ICAO or International Flight Plan. The International Flight Plan is very different from the Domestic Flight Plan. I would highly recommend that you research the process before you try to file one for the first time.

A Flight Plan is required for any flight into international and foreign airspace and in most cases an International Flight Plan is required. There are exceptions for flights between the lower 48 and Canada or Mexico if they do not cross any oceanic airspace. Those flight plans may be filed in the domestic format. All IFR flight plans between Alaska and Canada, however, must be in international format. VFR flight plans between Alaska and Canada may be filed in domestic format.

There is also a requirement for pilots who wish to file an RNAV SID or RNAV STAR in their route to file in international format even if they are not crossing any international borders. Eventually all flight plans will probably have to be filed in international format. For information on how to file an international flight plan check out the International Flight Plan form and International Flight Plan Instructions on the Flight Plan Filing Page.

Master Flight Plan Program

The master flight plan program was established for the owners/operators of aircraft in Alaska. A master flight plan is intended to record static information on an aircraft, not on a pilot. Only one master flight plan, therefore, will be accepted per aircraft from the owner/operator. Master flight plan files are maintained by Flight Service Station Hubs for aircraft based within their respective area of responsibility, or Hub area. Aircraft owners/operators may file a master flight plan with any FSS in person, via mail, phone, fax, or radio. FSSs will forward master flight plan information to the appropriate FSS hub facility (FAI, ENA or JNU). A master flight plan on file with any Alaskan Region FSS hub facility will be accepted by all Alaskan FSSs. Upon receipt of master flight plan information, the FSS hub facility enters the information into their master flight plan file. The master flight plan becomes effective when the owner/operator is notified by the FSS specialist. This can be accomplished either verbally upon receipt of the master flight plan, or by other written or electronic means (fax, e-mail, phone, etc.).

Master flight plans must contain the following data:

• Aircraft Identification.
• Aircraft type/special equipment.
• Airspeed.
• Remarks, if any. (Radios, navigation equipment, floats, skis, other)
• Owner or operator's name, physical address and phone number.
• Owner or operator's mailing address.
• Aircraft home base, including tie-down number if available.
• Color of aircraft.
• Name and phone number of a 24-hour coordination contact.
• Optional items:
  • Service ceiling.
  • Maximum fuel capacity.

Aircraft owners/operators are responsible for ensuring the master flight plan information on file for their aircraft is current. Changes in master flight plan data should be reported to the appropriate facility immediately. Failure to provide updated information could cause unnecessary delays in search and rescue activities. Pilots who do not update master flight plan information may be excluded from the program.

When filing a flight plan for an aircraft with a master flight plan on file, provide the following information:

• Type of flight plan.
• Type of aircraft.
• Equipment code if IFR.
• Departure point.
• Departure time or activation time.
• Proposed altitude if IFR.
• Route of flight.
• Destination.
• Estimated time en route.
• Fuel on board.
• Pilot's last name.
• Number of people on board.

Pilots should advise where the master flight plan for the aircraft is filed when utilizing a master flight plan, i.e., "Master flight plan on file with Juneau FSS." The additional information required for search and rescue will be obtained from the facility holding the master flight plan file in the event the aircraft becomes overdue.