IFR Flight Planning & Filing
Complete IFR flight plan preparation, equipment codes, remarks, alternates, and route construction
OBJECTIVE
Equip trainees with the skills to prepare, file, and execute IFR flight plans in compliance with FAA/DoD regulations, including proper equipment codes, remarks for formations and delays, alternate airport selection, route construction with backup navaids, weather analysis, fuel management, and performance considerations specific to the T-38 Talon, to ensure safe and efficient operations under Instrument Flight Rules.
CONTENT
How to File an IFR Flight Plan
Filing an IFR flight plan creates a record in the ATC system so controllers can issue your clearance. You must file before requesting clearance.
FILING METHODS
VATSIM (Simulated)
- • vPilot/xPilot: File directly in your pilot client before connecting
- • SimBrief: Generate flight plan, then export to pilot client
- • VATSIM Prefile: File at my.vatsim.net up to 24 hours in advance
Real World
- • 1800wxbrief.com: Leidos Flight Service online portal
- • ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot: EFB apps with direct filing
- • Phone: Call Flight Service at 1-800-WX-BRIEF
- • Base Operations: Military bases file through base ops
FLIGHT PLAN FORM FIELDS (FAA/ICAO)
| Field | Description | Example (T-38) |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft ID | Your callsign | BULLY54 |
| Aircraft Type | ICAO designator + equipment | T38/G |
| True Airspeed | Cruise TAS in knots | 450 |
| Departure | ICAO airport code | KSPS |
| Departure Time | Proposed (Zulu) | 1430 |
| Cruise Altitude | Requested altitude | FL350 |
| Route | SID, airways, fixes, STAR | WNDRR4 AMA J86 TUL |
| Destination | ICAO airport code | KTIK |
| ETE | Estimated time enroute | 0045 |
| Fuel on Board | Total endurance | 0130 |
| Alternate | Alternate airport (if required) | KOKC |
| Remarks | Special information | RMK/USAF T-38C |
VATSIM Tip: File your flight plan before connecting or immediately after. ATC can see your filed plan and will use it to issue your clearance. If you file while taxiing, expect delays!
Aircraft Equipment Codes
Equipment codes tell ATC what navigation and communication capabilities your aircraft has. This determines what routes and approaches you can be assigned.
FAA DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT SUFFIXES
Format: ICAO Type/Suffix (e.g., T38/G)
| Suffix | Equipment | RVSM? |
|---|---|---|
| /W | No DME, No Transponder | No |
| /A | DME, Transponder with Mode C | No |
| /G | GPS, Transponder with Mode C | No |
| /L | GPS, Transponder with Mode C | Yes |
| /I | INS, Transponder with Mode C | No |
| /Z | GPS + INS, Transponder with Mode C | Yes |
T-38C TYPICAL EQUIPMENT
Standard T-38C
T38/G
- • GPS (IFR approved)
- • Transponder with Mode C
- • Non-RVSM capable
With INS Only
T38/I
- • Inertial Nav
- • Transponder with Mode C
- • Non-RVSM capable
What is RVSM?
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums - Allows 1,000 ft vertical separation (instead of 2,000 ft) between FL290-FL410. Aircraft must be certified and equipped. Use /L or /Z if RVSM capable.
How to Determine Your Equipment Code
- 1. Check aircraft POH/Flight Manual for installed equipment
- 2. Verify GPS is IFR-approved (TSO-C129/C145/C146)
- 3. Confirm transponder has Mode C (altitude encoding)
- 4. Check if aircraft is RVSM certified (LOA required)
- 5. Select appropriate suffix from table above
Flight Plan Remarks
The remarks section communicates special information to ATC and flight service. Use it for delays, formations, military info, and special requests.
COMMON REMARKS FORMATS
Military Identification
RMK/USAF T38C
Identifies military aircraft and type (If not specified before. Ex. DC10/KC10A).
Formation Flight
RMK/STD FORMATION W/ BULLY55
RMK/NON-STD FORMATION W/ GUCCI21
Tells ATC you're a formation - lead files, wingmen reference lead's plan
Delayed Departure (Drop-In Delays)
RMK/ KOKC/D0+30
RMK/ KSPS/D0+45
Keeps flight plan active if delayed past proposed departure time
Training Mission
RMK/LCL IFR TRNG FLT INST APPS
RMK/PRACTICE APPROACHES REQUESTED
Alerts ATC to training intentions
Student Pilot
RMK/M0 TRNG
ATC may provide extra assistance
VSOA
RMK/vtac-msfs.com
When flying for the VSOA, you must include this
EXAMPLE COMPLETE REMARKS
RMK/KC10A STD FORM W/ GUCCI52 KWRI/D0+30 DELAY FOR VFR PATTENS M0 TRNG vtac-msfs.com
This tells ATC: It's a USAF T-38C, flight of 2 aircraft, training flight, possible 15 minute delay.
Alternate Airport Requirements
An alternate airport is your backup plan if you can't land at your destination. Understanding when an alternate is required and how to select a good one is critical for IFR planning.
WHEN IS AN ALTERNATE REQUIRED?
Use the 1-2-3 Rule:
From 1 hour before to 1 hour after your ETA, if the forecast is:
- • Ceiling less than 2,000 feet above airport elevation, OR
- • Visibility less than 3 statute miles
= You MUST file an alternate
ALTERNATE AIRPORT WEATHER MINIMUMS
The alternate must have forecast weather at your ETA that meets these minimums:
Precision Approach (ILS)
Ceiling: 600 ft
Visibility: 2 SM
Non-Precision Approach
Ceiling: 800 ft
Visibility: 2 SM
Or add 400/1 to the highest published minimums if non-standard alternate minimums apply.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ALTERNATE?
Good Weather - ABOVE Minimums
Don't pick an alternate that's barely legal - buffer is key. Look for VFR or high IFR conditions.
Precision Approach (ILS/GLS)
Lower minimums than non-precision. ILS preferred over RNAV-only airports.
Multiple Approaches/Runways
Options if wind shifts or an approach is out of service.
Within Fuel Range
Can reach alternate + 45 min reserve after flying to destination and missing approach.
Different Weather System
If destination is IFR due to a frontal system, pick an alternate on the other side.
Services Available
Fuel, maintenance, transportation. Military: compatible base or civilian divert capable.
⚠️ Common Alternate Mistakes
- • Picking an alternate too close (same weather system)
- • Not checking for "NA" (Not Authorized as Alternate) in approach notes
- • Forgetting to add fuel for missed approach + flight to alternate + 45 min
- • Selecting an airport with only one approach that requires equipment you don't have
Building a Good IFR Route
A well-constructed route is efficient, safe, and has backup options. The key principle: always have a backup navaid.
THE BACKUP NAVAID PRINCIPLE
Flying GPS? Plan your route from VOR to VOR anyway. If GPS fails:
- • You can navigate using VORs as backup
- • You can fly VOR approaches if GPS fails
- • ATC can vector you using ground-based radar
GOOD ROUTE EXAMPLE
KSPS → AMA VOR → TUL VOR → KTIK
GPS primary, but VORs along route = backup if GPS fails
ROUTE TYPES AND WHEN TO USE THEM
Victor Airways (V-routes)
VOR-to-VOR routes below 18,000 ft MSL
AMA V12 TUL
Good for: Lower altitude IFR, VOR backup
Jet Routes (J-routes)
VOR-to-VOR routes at FL180 and above
AMA J86 TUL
Good for: High altitude, efficient routing
RNAV Routes (T/Q-routes)
GPS waypoint routes (T = low, Q = high)
NOBLY Q120 TURNN
Good for: Direct routing, requires RNAV capability
Direct (DCT or "Direct")
Point-to-point GPS navigation
KSPS DCT AMA DCT TUL DCT KTIK
Good for: Shortest distance, high fuel efficiency
ROUTE CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST
EXAMPLE ROUTE CONSTRUCTION: KSPS to KTIK
BAD ROUTE (No backup):
KSPS DCT KTIK
Problem: If GPS fails over rural Oklahoma, no backup navaids
GOOD ROUTE (VOR backup):
KSPS DCT AMA DCT OKC DCT KTIK
Good: AMA VOR and OKC VOR along route for backup navigation
BEST ROUTE (SID/STAR + airways):
KSPS WNDRR4 AMA J86 CLOWW PIGLT2 KTIK
Best: Published procedures, ATC expects this, built-in VOR references
IFR Fuel Requirements
IFR fuel planning must account for the complete mission plus contingencies.
IFR FUEL CALCULATION
T-38C FUEL PLANNING REFERENCE
Weather Analysis for IFR
Review key weather products and integrate them into your flight planning.
KEY WEATHER PRODUCTS
METAR
Current conditions at airports
TAF
Forecast for next 24-30 hours
SIGMET/AIRMET
Significant weather hazards
Winds Aloft
Wind direction/speed at altitude
PIREPS
Pilot reports of actual conditions
Prog Charts
Surface/significant weather forecasts
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in IFR flight planning through hands-on exercises, peer reviews, and discussion. Trainees must:
- • File a complete IFR flight plan with correct equipment suffix for aircraft capabilities
- • Determine appropriate equipment code based on aircraft navigation/comm equipment
- • Write appropriate remarks for formations, delays, and training missions
- • Apply the 1-2-3 rule to determine when an alternate is required
- • Select a suitable alternate based on weather, approaches, and distance
- • Construct a route with backup navaids (VOR-to-VOR even when GPS primary)
- • Calculate fuel requirements including missed approach, alternate, and 45-minute reserve
- • Demonstrate no errors in critical areas such as airspace violations or fuel miscalculations
Completion: File at least two complete IFR flight plans (local training and cross-country) demonstrating all concepts