For how long will an FSS hold onto a filed flight plan after the proposed departure time?

After the proposed departure time, the Flight Service Station (FSS) will hold onto a filed flight plan for a duration of 1 hour. This policy is based on the need to ensure safety and efficient management of air traffic.

The rationale behind holding a flight plan for 1 hour is to allow pilots sufficient time to depart while also giving air traffic control the ability to monitor and manage the traffic situation effectively. If the flight has not been activated within this timeframe, the FSS assumes the flight may no longer be taking place and will then cancel the plan.

Other durations such as 30 minutes or 2 hours do not align with standard FSS operations. If a flight plan were held for only 30 minutes, it could increase the risk of pilots inadvertently departing without proper clearance or oversight. Conversely, holding a flight plan for 2 hours could lead to inefficiencies in managing air traffic, potentially clogging the system with outdated information. The option stating the flight plan remains until arrival suggests an ongoing obligation that does not reflect the operational practices of the FSS.