abbreviated flight plan

An authorization by ATC (air traffic control) requiring pilots to submit only that information needed for the purpose of ATC. It includes only a small portion of the usual IFR (instrument flight rules) flight plan; this may be only the aircraft identification, location, and pilot request. ATC may request other information if needed for separation and control purposes. Such flight plans are generally filed by airborne aircraft desiring an instrument approach and by aircraft on the ground wanting to climb to altitudes dictated by VFR (visual flight rules).