FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

Are air carriers mandated to use preferred routes when filing flight plans?

1. Yes, always

2. No, but advisable

3. It depends on the weather conditions

4. Only for international flights

The correct answer is: No, but advisable

Air carriers are not mandated to use preferred routes when filing flight plans, but it is considered advisable. Preferred routes are established to help ensure the efficient use of airspace and optimize safety and traffic flow. However, flight planners have the flexibility to choose alternate routes based on various factors such as operational needs, air traffic, weather conditions, or specific airline routing policies. While preferred routes can help facilitate smoother operations and reduce the possibility of air traffic conflicts, they are not legally required. This allows flight planners to make decisions that best suit their specific circumstances, which can lead to more efficient routing in certain situations. The other options suggest strict rules or conditions that do not align with the guidance provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding flight planning flexibility and operational discretion.