Vfr flightplanning in the USA

[Courtial]

Hello
I was wondering how vfr pilots submit vfr flightplans in the USA?
Does the vfr routing have to follow same rules than the ifr routing, or can it contain vfr reference points?
thanks!

[zondaracer]

VFR flight plans in the US is not an ATC function. It is a search and rescue function and it is done through Flight Service Station. You file origin and destination, plus flight time. Once you land, you call FSS to close the flight plan. If you don’t call in a timely manner then they initiate the search and rescue process. ATC does not have access to the flight plan.

[rudestuff]

In 1000+ hours of VFR flying in the States I think I filed 1 VFR flight plan!

[Courtial]

Very interesting, thanks! Are there cases where you are obliged to fill-in a flightplan, eg when crossing a border, flying over a sea...?

[zondaracer]

Yes, you must file a DVFR flight plan if you plan on crossing an ADIZ and the FSS forwards the information to NORAD.

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/fs_html/chap5_section_6.html

[Less Hair]

Pretty easy by phone: 1-800-WX-Brief

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Form/FAA_Form_7233-1_Domestic_7_31_23_secured.pdf

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/air_traffic_services/flight_plan_filing/