How to File an IFR Flight Plan in Canada

IFR flight planning questions on the INRAT cover the flight plan form itself, fuel requirements, alternate selection, and the regulatory obligations that kick in once you file. This isn't just paperwork knowledge — several of these questions have specific numbers attached, and the exam expects you to know them.

When an IFR flight plan is required

In Canada, you must file an IFR flight plan before operating IFR in controlled airspace. In uncontrolled Class G airspace, you can operate IFR without a flight plan — but you're on your own for separation. For practical purposes, any IFR flight into controlled airspace requires a filed and accepted flight plan before departure.

The flight plan must be filed at least 60 minutes before the proposed departure time if departing from an aerodrome with no ATC tower. From a controlled aerodrome, you request your IFR clearance before taxi, and ATC retrieves the plan you filed.

Required fields on the IFR flight plan

• Aircraft identification — registration or call sign
• Flight rules — IFR (or composite if you plan to convert)
• Type of flight — scheduled, non-scheduled, general aviation, etc.
• Aircraft type and wake turbulence category
• Equipment — navigation and communication equipment suffix codes
• Departure aerodrome and time
• Cruising speed and altitude
• Route — airways, fixes, direct legs
• Destination aerodrome and estimated elapsed time
• Alternate aerodrome — when required
• Fuel endurance — in hours and minutes
• Persons on board

Fuel requirements

For piston aircraft operating IFR with an alternate, your fuel must cover:

1. Fuel to the destination
2. Fuel from destination to the alternate
3. 45 minutes reserve at normal cruise power

When no alternate is required, the reserve drops to 45 minutes at normal cruise power after reaching the destination. Turbine aircraft have different requirements — the INRAT will specify if a question involves a turbine.

Closing the flight plan

An IFR flight plan filed with ATC is closed automatically when you land at a controlled aerodrome and ATC is notified. At an uncontrolled aerodrome, you must close it yourself — by radio to ATC, by phone, or through a FSS. If you don't close your flight plan within 30 minutes of your ETA, search and rescue procedures may be initiated.

The 30-minute window is tested directly on the INRAT. So is the question of who is responsible for closing — the PIC, always, regardless of whether anyone else is on board or available.

Amending an IFR flight plan in flight

Once airborne on an IFR flight plan, any changes to route, altitude, or destination must be coordinated with ATC. You cannot simply deviate from a filed route without a clearance amendment. In an emergency, the PIC has the authority to deviate as necessary, but must notify ATC as soon as possible.