What is the proper way to open a flight plan in the USA?

Question

After filing a flight plan on the ground by phone with a Flight Service Station, does the flight plan open automatically at the time that I filed for like in Canada? Or do I have to open it with FSS in the air? What happens if I don't open it?

Answer 1

In the US.. there is a few ways.. if it is an IFR flight plan, then it is opened by ATC when you call for your clearance. If not called on or amended, they will drop out of the system in 2hrs.

For VFR flight plans, they can be opened a few different ways, one is calling  on a cell phone and giving them a departure time just before acutally taking off.

Second is picking up FSS over the radio and giving them an off time to open it.

If you dont open it, then after 2hrs , unless amended, the flight plan is automatically delted out of the computer, like it never existed..

Just remember to close them.. !!! Otherwise your flight school, and tower may get a call asking about you..