What happens to a flight plan if it is not opened within one hour of the proposed departure time?

If a flight plan is not opened within one hour of the proposed departure time, it will be automatically canceled by the Flight Service Station (FSS). This protocol ensures that flight plans are managed efficiently and that outdated or unused plans do not clutter the system. Automatic cancellation helps enhance safety by ensuring that only active and current flight plans remain in the system, allowing for better tracking of aircraft in flight.

The necessity for timely opening of a flight plan is crucial for search and rescue operations. If a flight does not operate as planned within the hour, it is essential for FSS to clear the flight plan to focus on genuinely active flights.