Do VFR aircraft need to file a flightplan?

Question

I heard that they don't. But they are recommended incase they go missing so they know where to send the SAR teams.

Did I just answer my own question?

Answer 1

I passed my private check ride 20 years ago, and have flown regularly since.  The last time I filed a VFR flight plan was for that check ride.

    If I'm flying from point A to Point B because I need to get there,  since I have my instrument ticket, I file IFR, even in good weather.  My VFR flights tend to be for fun, and often I do not have a definite destination when I leave. Even if I do have a destination in mind I like the freedom to divert to check out something that catches my interest.

   Filing a VFR flight plan to a location in New Jersey is pointless when I may end up deciding to check out the Maryland shore on a whim.

Answer 2

No they do not HAVE to but it is recommended. A VFR aircraft is required to file a flightplan when flying DVFR defense Vfr , in a situation where they fly through a Aerial Identification Defense Zone (ADIZ)

Answer 3

It's not required unless you're crossing an international border.

Answer 4

There is almost no reason. There are very few services that you get only if you file a flight plan. The main one is that if you are flying on an activated flight plan, making radar contact will air traffic controllers will update your last known position. If you go missing, this could mean that it will take less time to locate you. However, I suspect they can locate that information pretty quickly these days anyway.

I've never known an air traffic controller to know who I was or what I was doing just because I filed a VFR flight plan. ATC seems to handle VFR traffic precisely the same whether they're on a flight plan or not, and I've never seen any evidence to suggest that air traffic controllers even know that VFR traffic they are handling is on a flight plan.

There are only two services you are technically "guaranteed" to get if you file a VFR flight plan. One is that search and rescue will be triggered if you don't close the flight plan within 30 minutes of your scheduled arrival time. The other is that any radar contact or position updates you make with ATC will update your last known position and provide rescuers with a better idea of your position. (However, I imagine that if you're missing, they can get that information very rapidly anyway.)

Answer 5

It is smart to do it just for the reasons you gave but is not required.

Answer 6

Crossing an international border requires a DVFR (Defensive Visual Flight Rules Flight Plan) not a normal VFR plan.

No VFR aircraft are not required to file but it does offer some benefits other than finding your body when you crash.  It makes life easier on the controllers if you are filed and then ask for flight following.  A good thing about the flight following is that MOST of the time the controller will look out for you as far as traffic, TFR's, and special use air-spaces.

So to sum it up unless your on a route that you know well you should file and get flight following when you can.

Answer 7

If you are leaving or arriving into the Washington D.C. ADIZ  you will have to file one even if VFR

Answer 8

They don't have to file a flight plan. The only purpose that it serves would be to start the search when you're overdue. (So don't forget to close it once you get to where you're going!)

Yeah, you pretty much figured it out.

Answer 9

Yep, you sure did