What is an OFP (Operational Flight Plan)?

An OFP is a comprehensive document detailing all operational, navigational, and fuel planning information required for a specific flight.

Why is a fixed format important for the OFP structure?

A fixed format ensures clarity, consistency, and compliance with regulatory and operational standards, facilitating efficient flight execution and communication.

What are the main elements included in an OFP?

Key elements include navigation data, fuel calculations, alternate aerodrome options, meteorological forecasts, and aircraft performance parameters.

How does the OFP differ from the ATC flight plan?

The OFP is an internal operational document for the crew and operator, while the ATC flight plan is submitted to air traffic services for clearance and tracking.

Who is responsible for verifying the OFP before flight?

The aircraft captain is responsible for reviewing and confirming all OFP details before departure.

OFP (Operational Flight Plan) Structure

Medium4 min readFlightplanning

Occasionally Examined

Why this matters

A well-structured OFP enables pilots to anticipate and manage operational risks, make informed decisions, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the flight. Mastery of the OFP structure is essential for safe, efficient, and professional flight operations.

The OFP (Operational Flight Plan) structure is a detailed, standardized document that consolidates all essential information for a safe and efficient flight. It includes navigation details, fuel planning, aircraft data, weather forecasts, and alternate aerodrome options. Understanding the OFP's structure ensures that pilots can interpret, verify, and act on all operational data before and during a flight.

Quick Check

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the structure of an Operational Flight Plan (OFP)?

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In depth

Explanation

What is an OFP?

An Operational Flight Plan (OFP) is the primary planning document for commercial flights, distinct from the ATC flight plan. It serves as the working reference for the flight crew, covering every aspect of the intended sector from departure to arrival, including contingencies.

OFP Structure Explained

The OFP is organized into several key sections:

Navigation Data: Lists all waypoints, airways (AWY), minimum safe altitudes (MSA), planned flight levels (FL), magnetic tracks (MTK), and distances for each leg. Waypoint frequencies (W/P FREQ) and latitude/longitude (LAT/LONG) are included for precise navigation.
Aircraft Performance: Details true airspeed (TAS), groundspeed (G/S), and outside air temperature (OAT) forecasts for each segment, based on aircraft capabilities and weather.
Fuel Planning: Specifies fuel required for each phase—taxi, trip, contingency, alternate, and final reserve—using data from the flight manual and operator policy.
ATC and Communication: Lists responsible control agencies, assigned frequencies, and FIR boundaries to ensure regulatory compliance and situational awareness.
Alternates and Routing: Identifies suitable alternate aerodromes and the routing to reach them, supporting contingency planning.
Meteorological Information: Provides forecast winds, temperatures, and significant weather along the route, enabling accurate performance and fuel calculations.

Completing and Using the OFP

Pilots or dispatchers systematically complete the OFP using aeronautical charts, weather forecasts, and navigation computers. The plan is finalized before departure, but the captain must verify all details and adapt as operational circumstances change. During flight, actual times at waypoints (ATA) are recorded to monitor progress against the plan.

OFP vs. ICAO ATS FPL

While the OFP is a comprehensive operational tool, the ICAO ATS Flight Plan (FPL) is a standardized form for ATC purposes. Both require precise, fixed-format entries, but the OFP contains more detailed operational data for flight crew use.

The essentials

Key Points

The OFP is a comprehensive document used by flight crews to manage all operational aspects of a flight.

It includes navigation data, fuel planning, aircraft performance, ATC requirements, and meteorological information.

Each waypoint is listed with associated data: airway, flight level, magnetic track, distance, and estimated times.

Fuel sections cover taxi, trip, contingency, alternate, and final reserve requirements.

The OFP is distinct from the ICAO ATS Flight Plan, which is used for ATC notification and clearance.

Pilots must verify and, if necessary, amend the OFP before departure to reflect current conditions.

Actual times at waypoints are recorded during flight to track progress and identify deviations.

Watch out

Exam Traps & Typical Mistakes

Confusing the OFP with the ATC Flight Plan—remember, the OFP is for operational use, not for ATC clearance.

Overlooking the need to update or verify the OFP if conditions change after the plan is generated.

Assuming the OFP contains only navigation data; it also includes fuel, performance, and weather details.

Misinterpreting the purpose of each OFP section, especially fuel planning versus fuel on board.

Neglecting to record actual waypoint times (ATA) during flight, which is essential for tracking and compliance.

Test yourself

Example Exam Questions

Question 2Medium

What is the primary purpose of including alternate aerodrome information in the OFP?

Question 3Medium

Which section of the OFP would you consult to verify the planned True Airspeed (TAS) for a flight segment?

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