AIM ¶ 5-1-14 — Closing VFR Flight Plans
AIM 5-1-14 explains pilot responsibility for closing VFR/DVFR flight plans, who to contact, and what happens if you don't cancel within 30 minutes of ETA.
When you file a VFR or DVFR flight plan, it is your responsibility as pilot in command to close (cancel) it after landing — no one does it for you automatically.
Key points from AIM 5-1-14:
- Close your flight plan with the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS).
- If an FSS isn't available, you may ask any ATC facility to relay the cancellation to FSS.
- Control towers do NOT automatically close VFR/DVFR flight plans — they don't know which arriving VFR aircraft are on a flight plan.
- If you fail to report or cancel within 30 minutes after your ETA, search and rescue (SAR) procedures begin.
Why this matters operationally: forgetting to close a flight plan triggers a costly SAR response, embarrasses the pilot, and ties up emergency resources. A common technique is to cancel airborne with FSS on 122.2 (or via Flight Watch / a Remote Communications Outlet) before landing at a non-towered field, or by phone (1-800-WX-BRIEF) immediately after shutdown.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?