Operational Flight Plans
Core concepts
An operational flight plan (OFP) is the document the commander signs before flight. It contains the route, waypoints, navigation aids, altitudes, fuel figures, mass and balance, alternate aerodromes, meteorological minima, and any special instructions. It must be consistent with the ATS flight plan and the aircraft's performance limitations. The OFP also includes the fuel policy computation and the in-flight replanning triggers.
Traps
Questions test: whether the OFP matches the ATS flight plan (route, level, ETA); whether the fuel figures in the OFP match the actual fuel on board; the difference between the operational flight plan and the ATS flight plan; and whether the commander has verified the OFP against the latest weather and NOTAMs. Also watch for the requirement that the OFP be retained for a specified period.
Worked example / rule of thumb
Rule: before signing, cross-check the 'four consistencies': route (OFP vs ATS), level (OFP vs ATS), time (ETAs), and fuel (OFP vs actual). Example: OFP shows 96 kg total fuel required; actual fuel on board is 100 kg → acceptable margin of 4 kg. If the actual is less than required, do not depart without a revised plan. Ensure alternate aerodrome weather is above minima at ETA plus a margin.