FLIGHT PLANNING
Pilots in command of naval aircraft or formation flight leaders must prepare and submit
flight plans. ACs in the flight planning branch play a vital role in assisting the pilots in
preparing and filing flight plans.
Flight Plan Forms Policy
NATOPS General Flight and Operating Instructions, OPNAVINST 3710.7, states, "A
flight plan appropriate for the intended operation shall be submitted to the local air traffic
control facility for all flights of naval aircraft except the following:
1. Flights of operational necessity
2. Student training flights under the cognizance of the Chief of Naval Air Training
(CNATRA) conducted within authorized training areas. CNATRA shall institute
measures to provide adequate flight following service"
Weather Considerations
Flight plans are filed based on:
Actual weather at the point of departure
The existing and forecast weather for the route of flight
The destination and alternate airfield forecasts for the period of 1 hour before
estimated time of arrival (ETA) until 1 hour after ETA
NOTE
A DD Form 175-1 (Flight Weather Briefing) must be
completed for all flights except those conducted under VFR
conditions where a VFR certification stamp is an acceptable
alternative.
This form gives pilots a
detailed overview of forecast weather conditions along a
planned route of flight.
Authorized Signature
Except when a daily flight schedule is used in lieu of a flight plan form, the pilot in
command or the formation leader shall sign the flight plan for his or her flight.
Retention of Flight Plans
Copies of flight plans, squadron flight schedules, operations logs, aircraft clearance and
arrival reports, and weather forms must be retained on file for 6 months. If a flight plan is
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