Pilot/Controller Glossary

ABBREVIATED IFR FLIGHT PLANS

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

An authorization by ATC requiring pilots to submit only that information needed for the purpose of ATC. It includes only a small portion of the usual IFR flight plan information. In certain instances, this may be only aircraft identification, location, and pilot request. Other information may be requested if needed by ATC for separation/control purposes. It is frequently used by aircraft which are airborne and desire an instrument approach or by aircraft which are on the ground and desire a climb to VFR‐on‐top.

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 18, 2026.