Sport Flying Guide

Flight plans are not a legal requirement for VFR pilots. They are for IFR (instrument flight rules) pilots. However, smart VFR pilots file a flight plan with the FAA, especially when required to do so by your instructor or the designated pilot examiner (DPE).

Actually, filing a flight plan is a piece of cake because you've already developed your own comprehensive flight plan. All you need to do is tell the FAA about it. How? You can telephone it in or file it online. However, be aware that filing a flight plan doesn't mean a thing unless you activate it. So just before or after you take off on your cross-country solo you must contact an FSS to "open" your flight plan. And, of course, don't forget to "close" your flight plan once you reach your destination. If you must, you also can modify or even cancel your flight plan by radio or phone.