Who is responsible for activating a previously filed IFR flight plan at departure?

Who is responsible for activating a previously filed IFR flight plan at departure?

• A. Ground crew
• B. The pilot alone
• C. Airline operations center
• D. ATSU at the departure aerodrome

Answer: (D)

Activation of an IFR flight plan at departure is handled by the Air Traffic Services Unit at the departure aerodrome. The pilot files the plan, but the actual enabling in the system and notification that the aircraft is ready to depart is performed by the ATSU. This designation allows the ATC system to issue a clearance and coordinate with en route facilities. Ground crew or the airline operations center don’t perform the formal activation, and while the pilot must ensure the plan is correctly filed, activation is the ATSU’s responsibility at the departure airport.

Activation of an IFR flight plan at departure is handled by the Air Traffic Services Unit at the departure aerodrome. The pilot files the plan, but the actual enabling in the system and notification that the aircraft is ready to depart is performed by the ATSU. This designation allows the ATC system to issue a clearance and coordinate with en route facilities. Ground crew or the airline operations center don’t perform the formal activation, and while the pilot must ensure the plan is correctly filed, activation is the ATSU’s responsibility at the departure airport.