Division SERA.8020 Adherence to flight plan

United Kingdom

1. (a)Except as provided for in (b) and (d) an aircraft shall adhere to the current flight plan or the applicable portion of a current flight plan submitted for a controlled flight unless a request for a change has been made and clearance obtained from the appropriate air traffic control unit, or unless an emergency situation arises which necessitates immediate action by the aircraft, in which event as soon as circumstances permit, after such emergency authority is exercised, the appropriate air traffic services unit shall be notified of the action taken and that this action has been taken under emergency authority.
2. (b)Inadvertent changes. In the event that a controlled flight inadvertently deviates from its current flight plan, the following action shall be taken:
3. (c)Intended changes. Requests for flight plan changes shall include information as indicated hereunder:
4. (d)Weather deterioration below the VMC. When it becomes evident that flight in VMC in accordance with its current flight plan will not be practicable, a VFR flight operated as a controlled flight shall: