METAR METeorlogical Aviation Routine weather Re- FEW030 BKN058 OVC090: These are the current cloud

ports layers observed. FEW030 is few clouds at 3000 feet ASL,

METAR CYVR 120200Z 14021G27KT 20SM -SHRA BKN058 is broken
FEW030 BKN058 OVC090 10/06 A2982 RMK clouds at 5800 feet ASL, and OVC090 is overcast clouds
SC2SC5AC2 PCPN VRY LGT at 9000 feet ASL. ASL is abbreviated for above sea level,
SLP098= and you add two
METAR: Simply indicated that the observation is a zeros on the end of the numbers to receive the actual al-
METAR observation. titude of the clouds.
CYVR: This is the aerodrome ident of which the observa- 10/06: Current temperature and dewpoint, Tempera-
tion originates, in this case, the aerodrome is Vancouver ture is 10 degrees celsius while the dewpoint is 6 de-
International. grees celsius.
120200Z: This is the time of which the METAR was is- A2982: Altimeter setting observed, in this case 29.82
sued, the first two numbers are the date, so 12 would Hg/m
mean the twelfth day of the RMK SC2SC5AC2 PCPN VRY LGT: Any remarks which
month. The 0200Z is the time indicated in UTC, in avia- the observation has. SC2SC5AC2 indicates that in respect
tion, it is indicated as Zulu time hence the Z on the end. to the observed
The time 0200 can be cloud layers, the clouds are composed of 2 ocatas of
translated to 2:00. strato cumulus clouds, 5 octas of stratocumulus clouds,
14021G27: This is the current wind observation. The and 2 octas of altocumulus
first three numbers indicate the wind direction in de- clouds. PCPN VRY LGT indicates that precipitation is very
grees true while the following light.
numbers indicate the wind speed measured in knots. SLP098: Indicates sea level pressure.
From this figure we gather that the wind is at 140 de-
grees true and is at 21 knots
gusting to 27 knots.
20SM: Indicates the visibility at the airport; in this case,
the visibility is 20 Statute Miles.
-SHRA: Means that there is rain showers at the airport, TAF terminal aerodrome forecast
the negative sign at the begining indicates the severity of TAFs are issued every six hours for major civil airfields:
the precipitation, a 0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 UTC,[2] and generally apply
negative sign meaning light, no sign at all meaning mod- to a 24- or 30-hour
erate, a positive(+) sign meaning heavy.
period  FM052300 indicates the next period lasts from (FM)
TAF KXYZ 051730Z 0518/0624 31008KT 3SM -SHRA the 5th at 2300 UTC to the 6th at 0600 UTC (the effective
BKN020 FM052300 30006KT 5SM -SHRA OVC030 time on the next FM line). The
PROB30 remainder of the line has similar formatting to the other
0604/0606 VRB20G35KT 1SM TSRA BKN015CB forecast lines: 30006KT wind from 300° at 6 knots (11
FM060600 25010KT 4SM -SHRA OVC050 TEMPO km/h; 6.9 mph), 5SM visibility 5
0608/0611 2SM -SHRA statute miles (8 km), -SHRA light rain showers, OVC030
OVC030 RMK NXT FCST BY 00Z= overcast at 3,000 feet (900 m).
The first line contains identification and validity times.  PROB30 indicates a 30% probability of the following
 TAF indicates that the following is a terminal aero- temporary conditions on the 6th between 0400 UTC and
drome forecast. 0600 UTC: VRB20G35KT wind
 KXYZ indicates the airport to which the forecast ap- of variable direction at 20 knots (35 km/h; 25 mph) with
plies (ICAO airport code). gusts up to 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph), 1SM visibility 1
 051730Z indicates that the report was issued on the statute mile
5th of the month at 1730 UTC (also known as Zulu, hence (1.6 km), TSRA thunderstorms and rain, BKN015CB
the Z). broken cumulonimbus clouds at 1,500 feet (450 m).
 0518/0624 indicates that the report is valid from the  FM060600 indicates that the next period lasts from
5th at 1800 UTC until the 6th at 2400 UTC. the 6th at 0600 UTC until 2400 UTC (the end of the fore-
The remainder of the first line contain the initial forecast cast period, as there is no
conditions. Variations of the codes used for various following FM): 25010KT wind from 250° at 10 knots
weather conditions are (20 km/h; 10 mph), 4SM visibility 4 statute miles (6.5
many.[3]31008KT indicates that the wind will be from km), -SHRA light rain
310° true at 8 knots (9 mph; 4 m/s). showers, OVC050 overcast at 5,000 feet (1,500 m).
 3SM -SHRA BKN020 indicates that visibility will be 3  TEMPO means that these conditions are temporarily
statute miles (5 km) in light (-) showers (SH) of rain replaced between 0800 UTC and 1100 UTC with: 2SM
(RA), with a broken ceiling (between visibility 2 statute miles (3 km), -
5⁄8 and 7⁄8 of the sky covered) at 2,000 feet (600 m) SHRA light rain showers, OVC030 overcast at 3,000 feet
above ground level (AGL). (900 m). (The wind speed remains the same as it is not
Each line beginning with FM indicates a rapid change in mentioned.)
the weather over a period of less than an hour. The final line is for errata, comments, and remarks.
 RMK NXT FCST BY 00Z indicates a remark that the
next forecast will be issued by 0000 UTC.
 METAR and TAF Weather Reports SQ Squalls Moderate
Weather Identifiers: SS Sandstorm
B - Began TS Thunderstorm
BC Patches UP Unknown Precipitation
BL Blowing VA Volcanic Ash
BR Mist >=5/8 VC In the Vicinity
FC, +FC Funnel Cloud,
Well-Developed Funnel Cloud
Tornado or Waterspout
FG Fog Modifiers: - Light + Heavy P More than M Less than B
HZ Haze Began E Ended
IC Ice Crystals Sky Conditions:
MI Shallow BKN – Broken cloud layer 5/8ths to 7/8ths
PL Ice Pellets CB – Cumulonimbus
SA Sand CLR – Sky clear at or below 12,000AGL
SG Snow Grains FEW – Few cloud layer 0/8ths to 2/8ths
SH Showers OVC – Overcast cloud layer 8/8ths coverage
SN Snow SCT – Scattered cloud layer 3/8ths to 4/8ths
DR Low Drifting SKC – Sky Clear
DS Dust storm TCU – Towering Cumulus
DU Dust PROB40 – Probability of 40% TEMPO – Temporarily…
DZ Drizzle TEMPO 0002 = Temporarily 00 to 02 Zulu
E - Ended R04 – Runway 4 T02560179 – Temperature 25.6 dew
FU Smoke point 17.9
FZ Freezing RMK – Remarks TWR VIS – Tower Visibility
GR Hail (>5mm) RWY – Runway V – Varying
GS Small Hail / Snow RVRNO – Runway Visual Range not available VIRGA –
Pellets (<5mm) Virga
PO Well-Developed Dust/Sand Whirls SFC VIS – Surface Visibility VRB – Variable
PR Partial SLP – Sea Level Pressure, add 10 to numbers given VRB
PY Spray VIS – Variable Visibility
RA Rain
SLPNO – Sea Level Pressure not available VV – Vertical Software is available to allow pilots to identify NOTAMs
Visibility, indefinite ceiling near their intended route or at the intended destination.
SM – Statute mile WS – Wind shear In the U.S. Air Force information technology enterprise,
SPECI – Special Report WSHFT - Wind shift C4 NOTAMs (Command, Control, Communications, and
Computer Notices to
Airmen) are notices of new or updated Air Force Net-
work Operating Instructions (AFNOIs). Often, these no-
NOTAM Notices to Airmen tices serve to direct Air Force
NOTAMs are issued (and reported) for a number of rea- computer administrators to install security updates or
sons, such as: change the configuration of computer systems.[4]
 hazards such as air shows, parachute jumps, kite fly-
ing, lasers, rocket launches, etc.
 flights by important people such as heads of state
(sometimes referred to as temporary flight restrictions, Format[edit]
TFRs) The following describes ICAO NOTAMs. NOTAMs are
 closed runways published using all upper case letters which are claimed
 inoperable radio navigational aids by some to make NOTAMs difficult to read. Note that
 military exercises with resulting airspace restrictions some countries such as the United States may diverge
 inoperable lights on tall obstructions from the following ICAO standards.
 temporary erection of obstacles near airfields (e.g.,  The first line contains NOTAM identification (series,
cranes) sequence number, and year of issue), the type of opera-
 passage of flocks of birds through airspace (a NOTAM tion (NEW, REPLACE, or CANCEL), as well as a reference
in this category is known as a BIRDTAM) to a previously-issued NOTAM (for NOTAMR
 notifications of runway/taxiway/apron status with re- and NOTAMC only).
spect to snow, ice, and standing water (a SNOWTAM)  The "Q" line holds (basic-remove) information about
 notification of an operationally significant change in who the NOTAM affects along with a basic NOTAM de-
volcanic ash or other dust contamination (an ASHTAM) scription. This line can be encoded/decoded from tables
 software code risk announcements with associated defined by ICAO. This allows NOTAMs to be
patches to reduce specific vulnerabilities displayed electronically
Aviation authorities typically exchange NOTAMs over  The "A" line is the ICAO code of the affected aerodrome
AFTN circuits. or FIR for the NOTAM. The area of influence of the NO-
TAM can be several hundreds of kilometres away from This decodes into the following:
the originating aerodrome. SERIES and NUMBER : A1234 issued in 2006
 The "B" line contains the start date and time, the "C" NATURE OF THE NOTAM : Replacing NOTAM 1212 is-
line contains the finish date and time of the NOTAM. The sued in 2006
date is in the format YY/MM/DD and the times are given FIR: EGTT (LONDON FIR)
in Universal Co-ordinated Time; also known SUBJECT: Taxiway (MX)
as GMT or Zulu time. CONDITION: Closed (LC)
 Sometimes a "D" line may be present. This gives a mis- TRAFFIC: NOTAM issued for IFR (I) flights and VFR
cellaneous diurnal time for the NOTAM if the hours of ef- flights (V)
fect are less than 24 hours a day, e.g., parachute drop- PURPOSE: NOTAM selected for immediate attention of
ping exercises tend to occur for short periods of flight crew members (N)
a few hours during the day, but may be repeated over PURPOSE: NOTAM selected for PIB entry (B)
many days. PURPOSE: NOTAM concerning flight operations (O)
 The "E" line is the full NOTAM description. It is in Eng- SCOPE: Aerodrome
lish but can be heavily abbreviated. These abbreviations LIMITS: FL 000 to FL 999 (000/999)
can be encoded/decoded by tables defined by ICAO. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION : 51°29' N 000° 28' W
 When present, "F" and "G" lines detail the height/alti- OPERATIONAL RADIUS OF THE NOTAM : 5 NM
tude restrictions of the NOTAM. Typically SFC means AERODROME : London Heathrow (EGLL)
surface height or ground level and UNL is unlimited FROM: 05:00 UTC 5 September 2006
height. Other heights are given in feet or flight level or UNTIL:05:00 UTC 30 April 2007
a combination of the two. CATEGORY: Aerodromes, Air Routes, and Ground Aids
Example[edit] DESCRIPTION: Due to work in progress, taxiway "B
This is a typical NOTAM for London Heathrow airport: South" is closed between "F" and "R". Taxiway "R" is
A1234/06 NOTAMR A1212/06 closed between "A" and "B" and is diverted via a new
Q)EGTT/QMXLC/IV/NBO/A/ green centre line and blue edge lighting.
000/999/5129N00028W005 Caution advised.
A)EGLL NOTAM FIR =Flight Information Regions
B)0609050500 It relates to the responsibility for regulating civil avia-
C)0704300500 tion. A FIR may stretch beyond the national airspace of a
E)DUE WIP TWY B SOUTH CLSD BTN 'F' AND 'R'. TWY country, i.e. over areas
'R' CLSD BTN 'A' AND 'B' AND DIVERTED VIA NEW
GREEN CL AND BLUE EDGE LGT. CTN ADZ
of high seas, or in some cases even over the airspace of A)VHHK B)201712270719 C)201806302359 EST
another country. It does not give the responsible state E)REF AIP HONG KONG ENR 1.8-4 PARAGRAPH 8.2B
the right to prohibit FLAS BTN HONG KONG AND
flights by foreign aircraft; however, foreign aircraft are GUANGZHOU FIR, FL290 AT DOTMI/A470 NOT AVBL
obliged to submit flight plans to the authorities adminis- DUE TO RESTRICTION FM
trating the FIR. Two XIAMEN AND SHANGHAI ATC.
separate disputes have arisen over flight control in the VHHK FIR 20171116FBDV01 A3246/17
Aegean: the issue of a unilaterally proposed revision of Q)VHHK/QPFCA/I /NBO /A /000/999/
the FIR demarcation, and A)VHHK B)201711140656 C)201806302300 EST
the question of what rights and obligations arise from D)1601-2300 DLY
the FIR with respect to military as opposed to civil E)DUE TO TAIPEI RESTRCITION, F390 IS NOT AVAIL-
flights. ABLE FOR TRAFFIC
VHHK FIR 20171234CD2V01 A3545/17 TRANSITING HONG KONG FIR DESTINED FOR FUKUOKA
Q)VHHK/QPFCA/I /NBO /A /000/999/ FIR JOINING ATS ROUTE
A)VHHK B)201712271630 C)201712271745 A1/P901 IKELA TO KAPLI G86. HONG KONG AIP ENR
E)DUE TO ATFM MEASURES, TRAFFIC OVERFLYING 1.8-6 REFERS.
HONG KONG VIA TAMOT
DESTINATION ZGGG ARE SUBJECT TO FLOW CONTROL
RESTRICTIONS FOR THE
FOLLOWING ROUTE SEGMENTS: FLIGHT DISPATCHER
1. SIKOU J104 CHALI DCT PICTA DCT CH B330 TAMOT, 8 Flight dispatchers frequently work under pressure in a
MINUTES fast-paced environment especially when flying weather
2. DOSUT M771 DUMOL J103 PICTA DCT CH B330 TA- is
MOT, 8 MINUTES bad. They must make many rapid decisions concerning
3. SABNO DCT TOFEE DCT SUKER DCT ARROW J103 safety, flight regulations, and the economy of operations.
PICTA DCT CH B330 These employees are surrounded by people, teletype
TAMOT, 8 MINUTES machines, telephones, and intercom systems in a noisy,
RMK: FLOW CONTROL MAY BE ADJUSTED SUBJECT TO busy atmosphere. Those who work for a small airline,
SITUATION AND carry on the duties of a meteorologist and schedule
DISCRETION OF HONG KONG ATS WATCH SUPERVISOR. coordinator.
VHHK FIR 201712344CFV01 A3544/17
Q)VHHK/QPFCA/I /NBO /A /000/999/
 He/She has joint responsibility with the captain for the  He/She updates the pilot in command of significant
safety and operational control of flights under his/her changes to weather or flight plan and recommends flight
guidance. plan alternates,
 He/She is also responsible for economics, passenger such as changing course, altitude and, if required, en-
service and operational control of day to day flight oper- route landings in the interest of safety and economy.
ations.
 He/She analyzes and evaluates meteorological infor-
mation to determine potential hazards to safety of flight
and to select the
most desirable and economic route of flight.
 He/She computes the amount of fuel required for the
safe completion of flight according to type of aircraft, dis-
tance of flight,
maintenance limitations, weather conditions and mini-
mum fuel requirements prescribed by federal aviation
regulations.
 He/She prepares flight plans containing information
such as maximum allowable takeoff and landing weights,
weather reports,
field conditions, NOTAMS and many other informational
components required for the safe completion of flight.
 He/She prepares and signs the dispatch release which
is the legal document providing authorization for a flight
to depart.
 He/She delays or cancels flights if unsafe conditions
threaten the safety of his/her aircraft or passengers.
 He/She monitors weather conditions, aircraft position
reports, and aeronautical navigation charts to evaluate
the progress of
flight.
ATC FILE ATR
(FPL-KHV840-IS
-AT72/M-SDFHIY/H
-VDSR0805 Contents of a Flight Plan
-N0253F190 KULE1A VIBUN DCT SOURN/N0254F190 Item 7
G474 ANINA/N0255F190 AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION (maximum 7 characters)
DCT PLK W1 VILOT MISIN1D This consists of the aircraft registration letters or the
-VVDN0139 VVPB company designator followed by the flight number
-DOF/171227 REG/XU235 EET/VVTS0058 VVVV0121 which are to be used by air traffic services for radiotele-
SEL/EMGL OPR/KHV PER/B phony communication and coordination.
-E/0251 P/TBN R/UV S/MJ J/L D/0 0 C N/A This field can be filled in in one of the following ways:
A/WHITE/PURPLE a) aircraft registration when:
C/LETUANNGHIA) - in radiotelephony, the call sign to be used by the air-
ATC FILE AIRBUS craft will consist of this identification alone (Example:
(FPL-KHV946-IS DAGXC or N137DK)
-A320/M-SDFGHIRWY/SB1 - preceded by the ICAO telephony designator for the air-
-ZGNN1445 craft operating agency (Example: SMALL-AIRLINE
-N0464F340 DCT WUY R474 TEBAK/N0464F340 R474 DAGXC)
NAKHA Q3 NAH N639 - the aircraft is not equipped with radio;
VILAO B329 VIBUN KULE1B b) operating agency and flight number: ACA123,
-VDSR0154 VDPP VVTS KLM672, BAW74W, etc.
-PBN/A1B1D1L1 DOF/171226 REG/XU353 EET/ c) tactical call sign (usually military): BRUNO12,
VVVV0019 VLVT0059 VDPP0126 SWIFT45, RED1, etc.
SEL/DKPQ RMK/TCAS EQUIPPED The most frequent option for general aviation is: air-
E/0306 P/TBN R/UV S/MJ J/L D/5 206 C ORANGE craft registration.
A/WHITE/PURPLE Item 8
C/VU XUAN DUC THIEN) FLIGHT RULES AND TYPE OF FLIGHT (2 characters)
I for IFR This item indicates both flight rules and type of flight.
S for scheduled air service Flight rules are important due to different
/M – MEDIUM regulations, weather and separation minimums for IFR
COM/NAV/SSR equipmen and VFR flights.
Insert one of the following letters to denote the category Insert number of aircraft, if more than one (1 or 2 char-
of flight rules with which the pilot intends to acters) followed by type of aircraft (2 to 4
comply. Options are: characters).
I for IFR The type of aircraft is indicated by the manufacturer’s
V for VFR designator. If no such designator has been
Y for IFR first, then VFR (this will indicate to ATS that assigned, or in the case of formation flights comprising
during the flight a pilot will call for IFR flight more than one type, insert ―ZZZZ‖ and specify the
cancellation) number(s) and type(s) of aircraft in Item 18 (see below)
Z for VFR first, then IFR (this will indicate to ATS that preceded by ―TYP/‖ (up to 60 characters can be
during the flight a pilot will call for changing put, for example: TYP/3C182 2C172).
to IFR which will require ATC clearancefrom ATS) ICAO aircraft type designators are presented in ICAO
If ―Y‖ or ―Z‖ is filed, specify, in the route section of the Doc 8643.
flight plan, the point(s) where a change in flight Then add ICAO Wake Turbulence Category (1 character).
rules is planned. Similarly, where there is more than Options are:
one change in the type of flight rules, the code to be /L – LIGHT, to indicate an aircraft type with a maximum
used is to reflect the first rule, i.e., use “Z” for VFR/IFR/ certificated takeoff mass of 7000 kg (15 500
VFR. lbs) or less.
Then insert one of the following letters to denote the /M – MEDIUM, to indicate an aircraft type with a maxi-
type of flight if required by the appropriate ATS mum certificated takeoff mass of less than
authority. Options are: 136 000 kg (300 000 lbs), but more than 7 000 kg (15
S for scheduled air service 500 lbs).
N for non-scheduled air service /H – HEAVY, to indicate an aircraft type with a maximum
G for general aviation certificated takeoff mass of 136000 kg
M for military (300 000 lbs) or more.
X for other than the preceding categories Item 10
The most frequent option for general aviation is: VG EQUIPMENT
(assuming You will fly VFR general aviation The COM/NAV/SSR equipment on board and its ser-
flight) viceability must be inserted by adding the
Item 9 appropriate suffixes. The first suffixes will denote the
NUMBER AND TYPE OF AIRCRAFT AND WAKE TUR- COM/NAV equipment, followed by an oblique
BULENCE CATEGORY stroke, and another suffix to denote the SSR equipment.
Options for COM/NAV equipment are:
N if no COM/NAV/approach aid equipment for the route H - HF RTF
to be flown is carried, or the equipment is K - MLS
unserviceable, L - ILS
O – VOR
or S if standard COM/NAV/approach aid equipment for U – UHF RTF
the route to be flown is available and V – VHF RTF
serviceable.
IMPORTANT: standard equipment is considered to be Z - other equipment carried (IMPORTANT: if the letter
VHF RTF, VOR and ILS unless another “Z” is used, specify in Item 18 the other
combination is prescribed by aviation authority local equipment carried, preceded by COM/ and/or NAV/, as
regulations. appropriate.)
NOTE: many pilots use ―S‖ even though they do not Surveillance (SSR) equipment
have all the elements of 'standard' present and Here insert one or two of the following letters to de-
certified (for example no ILS). THIS IS A SERIOUS MIS- scribe the serviceable SSR equipment carried:
TAKE! If You are in such situation, list all your N - None
equipment with the letters given below. A - Transponder – Mode A (code only indication)
If none of the above options apply or the aircraft has C - Transponder – Mode A and Mode C (code and altitude
more equipment than indicated by “S” insert one or indication)
more of the following letters to indicate the COM/NAV/ E - Mode S, including aircraft identification, pressure-al-
approach aid equipment available and serviceable: titude and extended squitter (ADS-B)
COM/NAV equipment (only the codes most often en- capability
countered by General Aviation codes are H - Mode S, including aircraft identification, pressure-al-
given; for the complete list, refer to ICAO docu- titude and enhanced surveillance capability
ments): I - Mode S, including aircraft identification, but no pres-
D - DME sure-altitude capability
F - ADF L - Mode S, including aircraft identification, pressure-al-
G - GNSS (IMPORTANT: When using the letter “G” on an titude, extended squitter (ADS-B) and
IFR flight plan, the GPS receiver must be enhanced surveillance capability
approved in accordance with the requirements from avi- X - Transponder – Mode S without both aircraft identifi-
ation authority). If used a NAV/ element in cation and pressure altitude transmission
field 18 should be used to indicate the type of GNSS sys- P - Transponder – Mode S, including pressure altitude
tem. transmission, but no aircraft identification
transmission - bearing and distance to a navigation point or naviga-
S - Transponder – Mode S, including both pressure-alti- tional aid.
tude and aircraft identification transmission. Example: DEP/ABC180017 (which means bearing 180
Other indicators are B1, B2, U1, U2, V1, V2, D1 and G1 degrees and distance 17 NM from ABC aid)
but these are very unlikely to be used in general (2) Departure Time (maximum 4 characters)
aviation.
Examples: Aircraft with VHF only and no transponder - Here indicate the hour and minutes in Co-ordinated
insert V/N. Aircraft with Universal Time (UTC) your estimated off-block
VHF,VOR,ADF,ILS,DME,HF,Mode A and C transponder – time. Do not use non-alphanumeric characters (+ . ; = , )
insert SDH/C. they will not be accepted or printed.
Item 15
REMEMBER to add oblique stroke between COM/NAV CRUISING SPEED, ALTITUDE/LEVEL AND ROUTE
equipment codes and SSR equipment code. This is the most complex item. It contains very important
The most frequent option for general aviation is: S/C information from the point of view of ATS
Item 13 therefore a careful and correct filling of this field is re-
DEPARTURE AERODROME AND TIME quired. Mistakes in this field may be an indirect
(1) Departure Aerodrome (maximum 4 characters) reason for such hazardous occurrences as airspace in-
On an ICAO flight plan, use four character location indi- fringement.
cators. In item 15 insert:
Example: EDDS, EPKK, LZKZ. a) the first cruising speed as described in (A) below,
ICAO aerodrome designators are presented in ICAO b) the first cruising level as described in (B) below, and
Doc 7910. c) the route description as described in (C) below.
If no location indicator is specified, as is the case in (A) Cruising Speed (maximum 5 characters)
water aerodromes or many of the land VFR Insert the true airspeed for the first or the whole cruis-
aerodromes, insert ―ZZZZ‖ and specify the full name of ing portion of the flight, in terms of:
the aerodrome in Item 18 preceded by ―DEP/‖. a) kilometres per hour expressed as “K” followed by 4
Example: DEP/VERY NICE AIRPORT figures
If the name of the departure point is not listed in any Example: K0220 (which means 220 km/h true airspeed)
aeronautical publication, to indicate it in Item 18 b) knots expressed as “N” followed by 4 figures
use: Example: N0175 (which means 175 knots true airspeed)
- degrees and minutes of latitude and longitude. There is also an option to indicate speed as Mach num-
Example: DEP/5023N02214E ber but as it is not used by GA no details will be
provided. followed by the joining point of the first ATS route and
General aviation example: N0150 (assuming that You followed by the designator of the ATS
will fly with speed 150 knots) route.
Example: DCT RONEX L617 …
(B) Cruising Level (maximum 5 characters) Then insert each point at which either a change of
Insert the planned cruising level for the first or the speed or level, a change of ATS route,
whole portion of the route to be flown, in terms of: and/or a change of flight rules is planned.
a) flight level, expressed as “F” followed by 3 figures or Example: TRZ/N0200A080 IFR (which means that at
Example: F085 (which means flight level 085), point TRZ you are to change speed to 200 knots,
b) standard metric level in tens of metres, expressed altitude to 8000 feet and request to change flight rules
as “S” followed by 4 figures to IFR).
Example: S0150 (which means 1500 metres) After each point add the designator of the next ATS
c) altitude in hundreds of feet, expressed as “A” fol- route segment, even if the same as the previous
lowed by 3 figures one or by DCT , if the flight to the next point is outside a
Example: A055 (which means 5500 feet altitude) designated route, unless both points are defined
d) altitude in tens of metres expressed as “M” followed by geographical co-ordinates.
by 4 figures (2) Flights outside designated ATS Routes:
Example: M0610 (which means 6100 metres altitude) Insert points normally not more than 30 minutes fly-
e) only for uncontrolled VFR flights, the letters “VFR”. ing time or 370 km (200 NM)
General aviation example: A065 (assuming that You apart including each point at which a change of speed
will fly at 6500 feet altitude) or level, a change of track, or a change
(C) Route (including changes of speed, level and/or of flight rules is planned or when required by the ap-
flight rules) propriate ATS authority(ies).
To fill in the “Route” field use points (1) to (6) below Insert DCT between successive points unless both
and after each element add a single space. points are defined by geographical coordinates
(1) Flights along designated ATS Routes: or by bearing and distance.
Insert, if the departure aerodrome is located on, or (3) ATS route (2 to 7 characters)
connected to the ATS route, the designator Insert the coded designator assigned to the route or
of the first ATS route. route segment including, where appropriate,
the coded designator assigned to the standard depar-
If the departure aerodrome is not on, or is not connected ture or arrival route.
to the ATS route, insert the letters DCT, Example:R11
M857 Insert the identification of the navaid (normally a
VOR) or the name of navigation point, in the form of 2
UB10 or 3 characters (navaid) up to 11 characters when name
SOXER2K of the point is used, next the bearing from the
(4) Significant point (2 to 11 characters) navaid/point in the form of 3 figures giving degrees mag-
Insert significant points on Your route using their des- netic, next the distance from the navaid/point in the
ignators (2 to 5 characters) assigned. form of 3 figures expressing nautical miles. Make up the
Example:LN correct number of figures, where necessary, by
KTC insertion of zeroes.
TOSPO Example 1: a point 170° magnetic at a distance of 20 NM
If no coded designator has been assigned use one of the from VOR ―LDZ‖ should be expressed as
following ways: LDZ170020.
(a) Degrees only (7 characters): Example 2': a point 130° magnetic at a distance of 12
Insert 2 figures describing latitude in degrees, fol- NM from CONTI point should be expressed as
lowed by ―N‖ (North) or ―S‖ (South) then followed by CONTI130012.
3 (5) Change of speed and level (maximum 21 charac-
figures describing longitude in degrees, followed by ters)
―E‖ (East) or ―W‖ (West). Make up the correct number Insert the point at which a change of speed (more than
of figures, where necessary, by insertion of zeros. 5% TAS) or a change of level is
Example:51N025E planned, expressed exactly as in (1), followed by an
(b) Degrees and minutes (11 characters): oblique stroke and both the cruising speed and
Insert 4 figures describing latitude in degrees, and the cruising level without a space between them, even
tens and units of minutes followed by ―N‖ (North) or when only one of these quantities will be
―S‖ changed.
(South), followed by 5 figures describing longitude in Examples:LN/N0284A045
degrees and tens and units of minutes, followed by RUDKA/N0305F100
―E‖ (East) or ―W‖ (West). Make up the correct number 52N021W/K0260M080
of figures, where necessary, by insertion of zeros. 4602N07805W/K0200F165
Example:5220N03305E (6) Change of flight rules (maximum 3 characters)
(c) Bearing and distance from a navaid or navigation Insert the point at which the change of flight rules is
point planned followed by a space and one of the
following: VFR if from IFR to VFR or IFR if from VFR to insert “ZZZZ” and specify in Item 18 the name of the
IFR. aerodrome, preceded by ALTN/. Rules
Examples:SUW VFR concerning indicating alternate aerodromes positions (if
not listed by ICAO code) are the same as
XIMBA/N0284A090 IFR for DEP/ and ARR/ elements.
Item 16
DESTINATION AERODROME, TOTAL ESTIMATED NOTE: no alternate aerodrome is required in VFR flight
ELAPSED TIME AND ALTERNATE plan.
AERODROME(S) Item 18
(a) Destination aerodrome and total estimated OTHER INFORMATION
elapsed time (10 characters maximum) This item is for all other additional, important or helpful
Insert the ICAO 4-letter location indicator of the desti- information (not all are presented here; only
nation aerodrome followed by the total those mostly used by GA pilots).
estimated elapsed time of your flight (NOTthe planned (a) “DEP/” followed by the name of the departure air-
time of landing). port or bearing and distance to
Insert “ZZZZ” followed, without a space, by the total es- navaid/navigation point closest to departure point
timated elapsed time, and specify the (if no designator is assigned and “ZZZZ” is inserted
aerodrome name in Item 18 (below). in item 13). Up to 50 characters may be used.
If the name of the arrival point is not listed in any aero- Example: DEP/SMALL AIRPORT
nautical publication, to indicate it in Item 18 use: (b) “DEST/” followed by the name of the destination
- degrees and minutes of latitude and longitude. airport or bearing and distance to
Example: ARR/5417N02005E navaid/navigation point closest to destination point
- bearing and distance to a navigation point or naviga- (if no designator is assigned and “ZZZZ” is
tional aid. inserted in item 16). Up to 50 characters may be used.
Example: ARR/BAMBI320008 (which means bearing Example: DEST/BIG AIRPORT
320 degrees and distance 8 NM from BAMBI point) (c) “TYP/” followed by type(s) of aircraft, proceeded if
(b) Alternate aerodrome(s) (4 characters – ICAO) necessary by number(s) of aircraft, if “ZZZZ” is
Insert the ICAO 4-letter location indicator(s) of not inserted in Item 9
more than two alternate aerodromes, Example: TYP/2 DE HAVILLAND HERON. Up to 60 char-
separated by a space or, if no location indicator has acters may be used.
been assigned to the alternate aerodrome, (d) “REG/” followed by the registration markings of
the aircraft, if different from the aircraft identification
in Item 7. ATS authority.
Example: REG/4XDKM. Up to 50 characters may be Example: NAV/INS (which means that inertial system is
used. available and cerified on board). Up to 50
(e) “ALTN/” followed by the name of alternate aero- characters may be used.
drome(s) or bearing and distance to (i) “EET/” followed by significant waypoints or FIR
navaid/navigation point closest to alternate point, if boundary designators with accumulated estimated
“ZZZZ” is inserted in Item 16. Up to 100 elapsed times from takeoff to such points, if required/
characters may be used. prescribed by appropriate ATS authority.
Example:EET/ABC0120 XYZ0200 (which means that
Example: ALTN/MEDIUM AIRPORT point ABC will be passed 1 hour and 20 minutes after
Flight plan 2012 introduced also new “alternate” ele- departure and point XYZ 2 hours after departure)
ment for Item 18: TALT/ (Take Off Alternate). EET/EINN0204 (which means that entering of Shannon
(f) “DLE/” followed by details related to delay enroute FIR is planned 2 hours and 4 minutes after
(for example for the need of flight training). A place departure)
in space should be described as in, for example, DEP/
item, either by navaid or bearing and distance from (j) “STS/” followed by particular reason for special
a significant point enroute, along with duration of the de- handling by ATS (hospital aircraft – STS/HOSP, one
lay. Up to 11 characters followed by 4 digits may engine inoperative would be – STS/ONE ENG INOP, no
be used. radio – STS/NORDO)
Example 1: DLE/XYZ0015 – delay over XYZ navaid, du- Example: STS/HAZ (which means hazardous cargo on
ration 15 minutes board)
Example 2: DLE/ROMIX2300200040 – delay at point The new, 2012 flight plan, introduced new abbreviations
230 degrees and 20 NM from ROMIX point, duration in use with STS/ item. These are, among others:
40 minutes - ALTRV – for flight with specified altitude reservation
(g) “COM/” followed by significant data related to com- - FFR – for fire-fighting flights
munication equipment as required by the - HAZMAT – for flights with hazardous materials
appropriate ATS authority. Up to 50 characters may be Two abbreviations are no longer valid: “ATFMEXEMP-
used. TAPPROVED” and “EMER”
Example: COM/UHF only (which mean that pilot will be (k) “OPR/” followed by name of the operator, if not ob-
able to communicate on UHF only) vious from the aircraft identification in Item 7.
(h) “NAV/” followed by significant data related to navi- Example: OPR/BIG COMPANY
gation equipment as required by the appropriate
(l) “DOF/” followed by the date of the flight in a six- Example: P/005 NOT P/5 or P/050.
figure format (if flight plan was filed on earlier (c) at position “R/” (radio):
date, maximum 120 hours before EOBT). - cross out indicator ―U‖ if UHF on frequency 243.0
Example: DOF/110613 (which indicated that the flight MHz is not available
will take place on 13th of June 2011) - cross out indicator ―V‖ if VHF on frequency 121.5
(m) “PER/” followed by performance of the aircraft MHz is not available
according to ICAO document 8168 (categories - cross out indicator ―E‖ if an emergency locator trans-
―A‖,‖B‖,‖C‖,‖D‖,‖E‖ or ―H‖ for helicopters). mitter (ELT) is not available.
Example: PER/A (d) at position “S/” (survival):
(n) “ORGN/” followed by contact details to flight plan - cross out all indicators if survival equipment is not
originator. Up to 30 characters may be used. carried
(o) “RMK/” followed by any other, plain language, re- - cross out indicator ―P‖ if polar survival equipment is
marks when required by the appropriate ATS not carried
authority or deemed necessary. There is no limit in num- - cross out indicator ―D‖ if desert survival equipment
ber of characters to be used. is not carried
Example:RMK/TRAINING ILS APPROACH AT SMALL - cross out indicator ―M‖ if maritime survival equip-
AIRPORT ment is not carried

RMK/STUDENT SOLO FLIGHT - cross out indicator ―J‖ if jungle survival equipment
Item 19 is not carried.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (e) at position “J/” (jackets):
Here one can provide all information concerning safety - cross out all indicators if life jackets are not carried
and security of the flight as well as details - cross out indicator ―L‖ if life jackets are not equipped
helpful during search and rescue mission. with lights
(a) “E/” and 4 figure group indicates the fuel endurance - cross out indicator ―F‖ if life jackets are not equipped
in hours and minutes. with fluorescein
Example: E/0430 - cross out indicator ―U‖ or ―V‖ or both (as in ―R/‖
(b) “P/” allows insertion of the total number of people above) to indicate radio capability of jackets, if any.
(passengers and crew) on board. If total number (f) at position “D/” (dinghies):
is not known during flight plan filling, insert “P/TBN” - cross out indicators ―D‖ and ―C‖ if no dinghies are
(to be notified). Use leading zeros if necessary to carried or
make three digits in this field. - insert:
(NUMBER) - number of dinghies carried (example: 02)
and
(CAPACITY) - total capacity, in persons, of all dinghies
carried (example: 006) and
(COVER) – cross out indicator C if dinghies are not cov-
ered and
(COLOUR) - insert colour of dinghies if carried.
(g) at position “A/” (aircraft) insert colour of aircraft
and significant markings.
(h) at position “N/” (remarks) :
- cross out indicator ―N‖ if no remarks or
- indicate any other survival equipment carried and
any other remarks regarding survival equipment.
(i) at position “C/” (pilot) insert name of pilot-in-com-
mand.