Flight Plan Tutorial

[gertcoetzee]

Been years since I filled in a flight plan, so I thought I would have a look at file2fly.

Firstly, the aircraft type field will accept something like a C150, but try a microlight code such as Z159 and it gives an error.
Then the "graphical search" does not work on my Mac.

So I was wondering, in anticipation of the WC could those in the know
1) post a empty flight plan form, preferably in word format

Got it : http://www.caa.co.za/resource%20center/ ... 72-12a.pdf

2) fill in an example

3) give the details where this should be faxed to.

Ta very much

G

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Type of aircraft - Enter appropriate ICAO aircraft designator (e.g., C172, PA34, BE9O, etc.).
Note: If no designator has been assigned (or for formation flights comprising more than one type aircraft,
indicate “ZZZZ” and specify the aircraft type(s) in Field 18 preceded by “TYP/ ”

Fax to jhb briefing. 011 975 1592

This may also be helpful...
http://www.dobrev.co.za/downloads/ICAO_FPL_RULES.pdf

[gertcoetzee]

From an email I got from file2fly.atns.co.za

To file a FPL over the phone you can dial: 0860 359 669 or 011 928 6517/18.
You can also fax them to 011 928 6576.
If you use the fax option you also need to call the Aeronautical Information Management Unit on 011 928 6517/18 to confirm if it was received and a reference number will be provided to you.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

File2Fly works best for me. Often they cant read the fax and telephone they battle sometimes to understand what I am saying.

I would recommend use F2F. I been using it for a long time and never had a problem they did not resolve in double quick time vs fones and fax which have always been problematic for me, but I have KAK handwriting and possibly not most eloquent voice...

Couple things to keep in mind.
Always put the OPR/ in 18 with your name and tel number. The old system used to do it for me, but now you need to insert it.
Always include SAR (even if NIL) else there is a possibility they make it SAR NML and then they chuck it out if you not flying to controlled airstrip

Consider getting the briefing so that when the CAA cops stop you at the airfield you can bombard them with paper. Having copy of the TAF/METAR etc is also useful.... as is a laminated copy of a couple W&B calculations...

Enjoy...

[Wargames]

From an email I got from file2fly.atns.co.za

To file a FPL over the phone you can dial: 0860 359 669 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0860 359 669      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0860 359 669      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 011 928 6517/18.
You can also fax them to 011 928 6576.
If you use the fax option you also need to call the Aeronautical Information Management Unit on 011 928 6517/18 to confirm if it was received and a reference number will be provided to you.

Easiest is to phone them. I normally phone cpt tower to file, but this world cup thing has upset the apple cart, and now must phone joburg. They give you number immediately.

Maybe time for some coffee and a tutor lesson, hey sir??

[gertcoetzee]

Tried the file2fly site again - mac incompatible!
Got an email from file2fly:

You should also have points for every 30min of flight,

...

During the soccer world cup, please confirm with SAAF whether a transponder is required on board or not, and then specify in field 10.

However, unless it is operation shield or the worldcup, or you require search and rescue, or are flying to and from manned aerodromes, it is not required for microlight pilots to file a flight plan.

I see that one can enter the flight plan in ICAO format - will figure that out and rather just fill in that part - for a flight from Morningstar - Piketberg - Aurora it looks like this
(FPL-ZUDVE-VG
-ZZZZ/L-N/N
-ZZZZ0630
-N0050VFR 18 33 2E 33 45 0S DCT 18 39 19E 33 10 40 S DCT 18 46 3E 32 55 38 S DCT 18 29 15 E 32 43 28 S
-ZZZZ0200 FASD FASD
-TYP/ Z159 MICROLIGHT DEP/ MORNINGSTAR DEP/ 18 33 2E 33 45 0S DEST/ AURORA DEST / 18 29 15 E 32 43 28 S SAR/NIL DOF/100515
-E/0400 P/2 R/V
A/BLUE
C/GJ COETZEE)

[Wargames]

Tried the file2fly site again - mac incompatible!
Got an email from file2fly:

You should also have points for every 30min of flight,

...

During the soccer world cup, please confirm with SAAF whether a transponder is required on board or not, and then specify in field 10.

However, unless it is operation shield or the worldcup, or you require search and rescue, or are flying to and from manned aerodromes, it is not required for microlight pilots to file a flight plan.

I see that one can enter the flight plan in ICAO format - will figure that out and rather just fill in that part - for a flight from Morningstar - Piketberg - Aurora it looks like this
(FPL-ZUDVE-VG
-ZZZZ/L-N/N
-ZZZZ0630
-N0050VFR 18 33 2E 33 45 0S DCT 18 39 19E 33 10 40 S DCT 18 46 3E 32 55 38 S DCT 18 29 15 E 32 43 28 S
-ZZZZ0200 FASD FASD
-TYP/ Z159 MICROLIGHT DEP/ MORNINGSTAR DEP/ 18 33 2E 33 45 0S DEST/ AURORA DEST / 18 29 15 E 32 43 28 S SAR/NIL DOF/100515
-E/0400 P/2 R/V
A/BLUE
C/GJ COETZEE)

Seems good. Exeptions below:

-ZZZZ/L-N/N Should rather be -ZZZZ/L/V (That state that you have a VHF radio as equipment)
-E/0400 P/2 R/V should rather be E/0400 P/2 (You have already included your radio as equipment. Although it can be removed, you must only put it in once. I would think that the way you wrote it up, atns can think that you only have emergency radio, and not radio during flight, hence my changes)

The rest seem good. Never filed a flightplan through file2fly though. Maybe time.