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2 Answers

Definition of IFR Flight Plan Estimate Time Enroute

Asked by: 4760 views Instrument Rating

Should the estimated time enroute entered in block 10 of an IFR flight plan be the estimated time from take off until landing at the destination airport (time over the destination per 91.153) or the "estimated elapsed time" to the IAF for the destination of the ICAO flight plan?  Seems like the EET gives a "lost comms" pilot and ATC a more definitive time at which the pilot would start the approach at the destination. 

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2 Answers



  1. EAD on Mar 27, 2017

    The Pilot/Controller Glossary defines “Estimated Time En Route” as:

    “The estimated flying time from departure point to destination (lift-off to touchdown)”

    Quoted verbatim. Hope that helps.

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  2. Bruce Mamont on Mar 28, 2017

    I’m sincerely not trying to be argumentative, I’m just trying to resolve something that I think I was told (and for which I can’t find an authoritative reference). The FAA is now telling us that ETE is supposed to mean the ICAO Total EET, which distinguishes between IFR (time to IAF) and VFR (time to destination airport arrival). My question was intended to resolve the definition for IFR flight planning.

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