What is the purpose of a flight plan?

A flight plan serves as a crucial document that specifies the intended route and coordination details for a flight. It provides essential information to various stakeholders involved in air traffic management, including air traffic control and other pilots. The flight plan typically includes details such as the departure and destination points, waypoints along the route, estimated times of departure and arrival, and the altitude levels to be maintained during flight. By outlining this information, the flight plan helps ensure that all necessary entities are informed about the flight's trajectory, enhances safety by promoting situational awareness, and assists with efficient traffic management in busy airspace.

While other options may relate to various aspects of flight operations, they do not encapsulate the primary role of a flight plan, which centers on route specification and necessary coordination for operational safety and efficiency.