Operational Flight Plan (OFP)

An Operational Flight Plan (OFP) is a detailed document used by pilots to ensure a flight complies with operational regulations, provides vital flight information, and facilitates coordination with air traffic control (ATC). It's a more comprehensive flight plan than a standard one, including things like weights and balances, fuel calculations, and alternate airport information.

Purpose

• To ensure compliance with all operational regulations for a specific flight.
• To provide the flight crew with the necessary information for safe flight conduct.
• To facilitate coordination with air traffic control (ATC).
• To monitor the flight's progress and ensure the aircraft reaches its destination on time and with sufficient fuel.
• To serve as a formal record of the flight for audit or reconstruction purposes.

Key Information Included

• Aircraft registration and operator ID.
• Release time and takeoff time.
• Weights and balances.
• Take-off and climb performance data.
• Average temperature, TAS/CAS/ground speed.
• Alternate airport information.
• Route information.
• Fuel calculations.
• Performance data.
• Flight level to climb to.
• Minimum enroute altitude.
• True track from destination to the alternate.
• Average wind component.
• Flight time and estimated landing time.
• Required fuel.
• Reserve fuel.

Relationship to Flight Plans

• An OFP is a more detailed version of a standard flight plan.
• While a standard flight plan provides the basic information for ATC, the OFP provides the flight crew with the comprehensive information they need to operate the flight safely and efficiently.