In the real world I assume the Captain is responsible for checking that the Flight Plan route is appropriate for that particular flight.But what happens from then on? Is he also responsible for checking that the correct Flight Plan has been loaded into the FMC?Cliff

Many (all?) airlines have a complete department of people to create flightplans and keep them up to date with realworld information (TFRs, NOTAMs, airway changes).These plans are usually preloaded into FMCs, the aircraft captain will select the one he intends to use and activates it (after making any last minute changes if needed).And yes, he is the one with final responsibility.

Thanks for your prompt reply.Cliff

CliffIts not quite as simple as that.In Europe the Captain will work a route and that is sent through the computers at Brussels.If that route is not liked which in the mess of airways in Europe is often the case its spat out.For that reason we often place ISPS re route accept in the notes column of the plan.This means that if the route is not acceptable an alternative is made for you.Even with the plan that is accepted we find that even that is changed enroute so that one way is to load the first points on the plan plus the destination and then to add the other bits as you go.Europe has a mass of airways some going south some going north and often they take you way off track but these routes are what have to be filed.You then try to negotiate more direct routing once you are in the system.Peter

yes, Eurocontrol is a pain but what choice do they have with the mess of airspace regulations for each country separate (and of course all different)?Thought planning departments would prefile the plans and get approval well in advance whenever possible.

Of course I am talking about one man band corporate aviation in twins and business jets not Airlines where there are departments for everything.The pilot who is responsable for getting his own weather, filing his own plans, organising his own fuel etc.PeterNB things are improving since RVSM which has freed up more available levels and especially in business jets which will climb above the airlines more direct routings are becoming more available.