What is the purpose of a flight plan?

The purpose of a flight plan is to inform air traffic control and other authorities of the planned route and destination for a flight. This process is essential in aviation for safety and coordination. By submitting a flight plan, pilots provide crucial information such as the intended flight path, estimated times of departure and arrival, altitude, and other operational details. This allows air traffic control to monitor the flight, provide necessary air traffic services, and ensure that airspace is used efficiently and safely.

Understanding the planned route and destination helps in preventing airspace congestion and potential conflicts with other aircraft. It also aids search and rescue operations, as the flight plan provides a clear outline of where the aircraft is expected to be at different stages of the flight.

The other options relate to different aspects of flight operation and management but do not encompass the primary purpose of a flight plan in the context of communication with air traffic authorities. Preparing the aircraft for takeoff and assisting with passenger boarding are operational tasks, while compliance with maintenance schedules pertains to aircraft upkeep rather than route planning.