A coomon question that we see aksed is: "Do you need to file a flight plan to fly outside of the USA?". The short answer is, YES. The reason for this falls under two separate FAR's under Part 91 and Part 99.

Under Part 91.707, the law specifically states that to fly from the USA to Mexico or Canada, you MUST file a flight plan.

91.707 Flights between Mexico or Canada and the United States.

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate a civil aircraft between Mexico or Canada and the United States without filing an IFR or VFR flight plan, as appropriate
.


Flights to other countries would mean that the aircraft would fly into the USA Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and would be regulated under Part 99 as follows:

99.11 ADIZ flight plan requirements.

(a) No person may operate an aircraft into, within, or from a departure point within an ADIZ, unless the person files, activates, and closes a flight plan with the appropriate aeronautical facility, or is otherwise authorized by air traffic control.

(b) Unless ATC authorizes an abbreviated flight plan—

(1) A flight plan for IFR flight must contain the information specified in § 91.169; and

(2) A flight plan for VFR flight must contain the information specified in § 91.153(a) (1) through (6).

(3) If airport of departure is within the Alaskan ADIZ and there is no facility for filing a flight plan then:

(i) Immediately after takeoff or when within range of an appropriate aeronautical facility, comply with provisions of paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) as appropriate.

(ii) Proceed according to the instructions issued by the appropriate aeronautical facility.

(c) The pilot shall designate a flight plan for VFR flight as a DVFR flight plan.

(d) The pilot in command of an aircraft for which a flight plan has been filed must file an arrival or completion notice with an appropriate aeronautical facility
.

Last edited by Rick; 02/18/13 08:30 AM.

Rick Gardner
Caribbean Sky Tours