What is required for a VFR flight plan to be filed?

A VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight plan must include key elements to ensure safety and facilitate communication with air traffic control. The correct response highlights that a flight destination, route, and estimated time of departure are essential information components that help both the pilot and air traffic authorities maintain situational awareness.

Filing a VFR flight plan necessitates specifying the destination so that air traffic controllers can anticipate your flight's path and coordinate with other air traffic, especially in busy airspace. The planned route provides clarity on how you intend to navigate from takeoff to landing, which is vital for ensuring safe separation from other aircraft. Additionally, providing an estimated time of departure allows controllers to expect your flight at a certain point, further enhancing air traffic management.

While it is true that VFR flights are not legally required to file a flight plan, taking the time to plan and file one is highly recommended for safety reasons. It can significantly aid in search and rescue operations should an aircraft go missing.

The other options omit key components of a VFR flight plan, with some suggesting insufficient details, while others may lead to misconceptions about the necessity of a flight plan altogether. Thus, having the complete set of information ensures a more organized and safe flying experience.