What is the purpose of using a flight plan?

The primary purpose of using a flight plan is to provide important information to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and ensure flight safety through effective navigation. When a pilot files a flight plan, they communicate essential details such as the route to be flown, estimated departure and arrival times, aircraft type, number of people on board, and specific altitudes. This information enables ATC to track and manage air traffic, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and enhancing the overall safety of the flight.

Additionally, a filed flight plan serves as a backup for navigation, particularly in cases of poor visibility or unexpected changes in route. It allows other pilots and authorities to be aware of your intended flight path.

While factors such as fuel monitoring and maintenance checks are vital to flight operations, they do not represent the primary purpose of filing a flight plan. Flight altitude is also an important consideration, but the flight plan itself is more focused on routing and communication with ATC.