BVA's Getting Started Guide: Start Flying! >> Filing a Flight Plan

Start Flying Navigation>> Get Ready | Before Start Checklist | Setting up your Aircraft | Connecting to the Network | Filing a Flight Plan | Who do I Talk To?

Just like in real life, you are only required to file a flight plan when operating IFR. VFR flight plans are optional, but encouraged.

To file a flight plan, click on the "Flight Plan" button in vPilot:

Click on vPilot's "Flight Plan" button to file a flight plan through vPilot.

The "File Flight Plan" window appears:

You can use vPilot to file your flight plan.

You must be connected to the network in order to file the flight plan.

Complete the form by entering the following information:

Block Details
Flight Type

The type of flight plan being filed. Available options are:

  • IFR: Instrument Flight Rules
  • VFR: Visual Flight Rules
  • DVFR: Defence VFR, used when transiting an ADIZ
  • SVFR: Special VFR
Departure Airport The departure airport for the flight.
Destination Airport The planned arrival airport.
Alternate Airport If operating IFR, the airport you might divert to in the event bad weather is encountered at the destination (not required for VFR).

Departure Time

 The proposed time of departure, in UTC (or "Zulu"); for reference, the current Zulu time appears in the title bar of the window.
Time Enroute Planned duration of the flight, in hours of minutes.
Fuel Available The amount of fuel on board the aircraft, expressed in hours and minutes of flying time at cruise power settings.
Cruise Speed Planned cruise speed of the aircraft, expressed in True Air Speed (TAS) as knots.
Cruise Altitude

The planned altitude for the flight.

IFR flights are always flown at altitudes on the thousands.

  • For IFR flights eastbound, fly at an odd altitude (7 000; 11 000; FL330)
  • For IFR flights westbound, fly at an even altitude (8 000; 12 000; FL340)

VFR flights follow the same rules as IFR flights, but add 500' to each altitude. Remember, VFR flight is prohibited in Class A airspace (above 17,999').

  • For VFR flights eastbound, fly at an odd altitude plus 500 (7 500; 11 500)
  • For VFR flights westbound, fly at an even altitude plus 500 (8 500; 12 500)
Heavy Aircraft Check this box if the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight is above 300,000 pounds.
Equipment Suffix Select the Equipment Suffix for your navigation capabilities (use our Equipment Type Suffix Selector if you are unsure of which suffix to choose from).
Route

Enter the route of flight, including any proposed SIDs or STARs (if operating IFR). VFR routes can be as simple as "Highway 25".

If you flying IFR and are unsure of which route to file, BVA maintains a set of Preferred Routes for common citypairs in our airspace.
Remarks Enter any remarks or additional comments in the flight plan. For example, you may wish to enter "New Member" or "Student Pilot" to let controllers know that you are learning the airspace and procedures.
Voice Select "Send + Receive". All BVA members are required to use voice to communicate with ATC.

Sample VFR flight plan:

A sample VFR flight plan filed through vPilot.

Sample IFR flight plan:

A sample IFR flight plan filed through vPilot.

Once you have completed the flight plan, click "File Flight Plan". You are now ready to fly!

You can also file your flight plan online. If you file online, there is no need to complete the flight plan form in vPilot.

Is your flight plan filed?
Yes: show me which controller to talk to
No, I am not able to file a flight plan
Skip this section and explain where I can find more help