Route
Planners choose a route from published airways, SIDs and STARs, balancing distance against winds, overflight charges and airspace restrictions. The shortest track is rarely the cheapest.
The flight plan form
The ICAO form carries aircraft type and wake category, equipment codes, route string, cruising level and speed, endurance and alternates. Field 18 holds remarks such as PBN capability and selective-calling codes.
Loading and balance
The load sheet confirms that mass and centre of gravity are within limits for every phase. An out-of-limits CG can make the aircraft uncontrollable even if the total weight is legal.
Key points
- Winds aloft frequently make a longer track faster and cheaper.
- The filed plan defines the ATC expectation of your route and level.
- Mass and balance is as much a limit as maximum takeoff weight.
Knowledge check