Military DoD Flight Plans

AIM ¶ 5-1-7 — Military DoD Flight Plans

AIM 5-1-7 explains which flight plan forms DoD aircraft use in U.S. airspace and when DD Form 1801 (ICAO) is mandatory for military flights.

In Plain English

AIM 5-1-7 covers the flight plan forms authorized for DoD (Department of Defense) aircraft operating in U.S. controlled airspace. While this paragraph is military-focused, civilian pilots may see it referenced when discussing form types and stereo route flight plans.

Key points:

Inside U.S. controlled airspace, DoD aircraft may use either FAA Form 7233-1 (domestic flight plan) or DD Form 175.
DD Form 1801 (the ICAO international flight plan) is recommended for IFR flights and is mandatory when:
- The flight will depart U.S. controlled airspace.
- The flight requests routing requiring Performance Based Navigation (PBN).
- The flight requests services requiring capabilities only supported by the international flight plan.
The order of elements on DD Form 175 mirrors FAA Form 7233-1.
Civilians filing stereo route flight plans may use FAA Form 7233-1.

Operationally, this ensures that any flight crossing into international or PBN-routed airspace files using ICAO format, so ATC and international authorities receive standardized capability and equipment data.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-1-7

(See Appendix 4 , FAA Form 7233-1, Flight Plan) Within U.S. controlled airspace, FAA Form 7233-1 or DD Form 175 may be used by DoD aircraft. However, use of the DD Form 1801 by DoD aircraft is recommended for IFR flights and is mandatory for: Any flight that will depart U.S. controlled airspace. Any flight requesting routing that requires Performance Based Navigation. Any flight requesting services that require filing of capabilities only supported in the international flight plan.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Which flight plan forms may DoD aircraft use within U.S. controlled airspace?

Per AIM 5-1-7, within U.S. controlled airspace, DoD aircraft may use either FAA Form 7233-1 or DD Form 175.

Q2When is the DD Form 1801 mandatory for DoD flights?

Per AIM 5-1-7, DD Form 1801 is mandatory for any flight departing U.S. controlled airspace, any flight requesting routing that requires Performance Based Navigation, and any flight requesting services that require filing of capabilities only supported in the international flight plan.

Q3Can civilian pilots use FAA Form 7233-1, and in what context is it specifically mentioned for civilian use?

Per AIM 5-1-7, civilians who file stereo route flight plans may use FAA Form 7233-1, Flight Plan.

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 5

¶ 5-1-1

Preflight Preparation

¶ 5-1-10

IFR High Altitude Destinations

¶ 5-1-11

International Flight Operations

¶ 5-1-12

Flight Plan Changes

¶ 5-1-13