How To Fill ICAO Flight Plan

Icare Flight Plan Overview

Introduction to the Icare Flight Plan

• The video begins with a welcome message and encourages viewers to subscribe and like the content for channel growth.

• The presenter highlights that items preceding item 7 are completed by ATC and comp services, leaving them blank.

Item 7: Call Sign and Flight Rules

• In item 7, users must insert their call sign or aircraft registration in capital letters.

• Flight rules are indicated as VFR (Visual Flight Rules), IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), or transitions between the two using specific letters: 'V' for VFR, 'I' for IFR, 'Z' for changing from VFR to IFR, and 'Y' for starting IFR in uncontrolled airspace.

Item 8: Type of Flight

• This section categorizes flights as scheduled ('S'), non-scheduled/charter ('M'), military ('G'), or other categories ('X').

Item 9: Formation Flying

• Typically left blank unless flying in formation; if so, indicate the number of aircraft involved (e.g., '02' for one primary plus two others).

Item 10: Aircraft Type and Wake Turbulence Category

• Users must comply with ICAO aircraft type codes when entering their aircraft's type. Examples include A359 for Airbus A350-900.

• Wake turbulence categories are defined as follows:

• L: Light (<7000 kg)

• M: Medium (>7000 kg but <136000 kg)

• H: Heavy (>136000 kg except A380)

• J: Super (A380 only)

Item 11: Onboard Equipment

• This section requires listing onboard equipment such as VOR, GNSS, DME, etc., along with SSR transponder capabilities (Mode A, C, S).

• Reference is made to ICAO document 444 for detailed guidance on filling out flight plans.

Example of Equipment Entry

• An example is provided where an aircraft has various equipment including GNSS and Mode S transponder.

• Standard equipment includes VHF radio, VOR receiver, and ILS receiver denoted by letter 'S'.

Transponder Modes Explained

• Different modes of transponders are discussed:

• Mode A provides position reports.

• Mode C adds altitude information.

• Mode S offers comprehensive data including pressure altitude reporting and data link messages.

Final Items in the Flight Plan

• For item 13, users enter a four-letter code of their departure aerodrome; if none exists in ICAO codes, they use 'ZZZZ'.

Flight Planning Overview

Understanding Block Time and Cruising Speed

• The block time refers to the expected time for an aircraft to start taxiing or push back from the gate, marking the beginning of movement.

• Cruising speed is indicated in true airspeed (TAS), not indicated airspeed or ground speed. It is typically recorded in knots, denoted by 'n' followed by a three-digit number. If in kilometers, it would be marked with 'k'.

Cruising Altitude and Route Details

• Cruising altitude is expressed as flight level; for example, FL150 is noted as 'F150', while altitudes like 7,000 feet are written as 'A070'.

• The route includes Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), waypoints, and Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARs). An example flight plan from RTBD to OMAD illustrates this process using specific SIDs and STARs.

Example Flight Plan Execution

• For a flight plan from Dil Hunter National (RTBD) to Abu Dhabi Al Batin Executive (OMAD), the SID used is Ubundu One Sierra with subsequent navigation via Bravo 415 airway until reaching Yuliki waypoint before joining the STAR Eulekia One Sierra.

• The order of inputting data into the flight plan follows: SID → Airway → Exit Point → STAR. This structure helps maintain clarity during planning.

Destination Information and Estimated Elapsed Time

• The destination aerodrome code must be included along with estimated elapsed time (EET), which measures total duration from takeoff until overhead arrival at the airport or initial approach fix when IFR. This differs from ATA or ETA definitions.

• Additional information can include aircraft registration and estimated times for crossing FIR boundaries or other relevant navigational details that may assist ATC operations.

Final Notes on Flight Planning

• It's important not to panic if departing without SIDs or arriving without STARs; modern ATC often provides radar vectors regardless of these procedures. This flexibility aids pilots in navigating complex airspaces effectively.