An 18 item operational flight plan does not include

• A. Cruising altitude to destination and alternate
• B. Name of pilot and dispatcher
• C. Signature of pilot and dispatched
• D. Distance from destination to alternate

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is what information is required on an operational flight plan. In an 18-item plan, the essentials are clearly stated route and timing details, the cruising altitude for both the destination and the alternate, and the people responsible for the plan and its approval. The cruising altitude to the destination and to the alternate is included because ATC needs to know the intended flight level and because alternate planning may involve altitude constraints. The names of the pilot and dispatcher, along with their signatures, are included to establish accountability and authorization for the plan.

The distance from the destination to the alternate isn’t a separate data field in this plan. Distances are used to calculate fuel and timing, but they’re derived from the route and the chosen alternate rather than recorded as a standalone entry. So while you’ll certainly compute how far you must fly to reach the alternate, that specific distance isn’t a required item on the 18-item plan.