FAR 91.153 — VFR Flight Plan
FAR 91.153 lists the information required when filing a VFR flight plan, including route, fuel, souls on board, and closing the plan after landing.
FAR 91.153 spells out exactly what information you must include when filing a VFR flight plan. Unless ATC authorizes otherwise, your flight plan must contain:
- Aircraft identification number and, if needed, the radio call sign
- Type of aircraft (or each type and the number of aircraft if it's a formation flight)
- Full name and address of the pilot in command (or formation commander)
- Point and proposed time of departure
- Proposed route, cruising altitude (or flight level), and true airspeed
- Point of first intended landing and estimated elapsed time en route
- Fuel on board, expressed in hours
- Number of persons on board (unless the FAA already has that info)
- Any other information the PIC or ATC thinks ATC needs
Why it matters: a VFR flight plan is your safety net. If you don't arrive, search and rescue uses this information to find you. The rule also requires that once your flight plan is activated, you must close it with an FAA Flight Service Station or ATC facility upon cancellation or completion — otherwise SAR efforts will be launched unnecessarily.
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?