Route changes in excess of 100 miles require what action?

• A. Notify dispatch
• B. Amend flight plan
• C. File an additional flight plan
• D. Reissue of release is required

Answer: (D)

When a route change is large enough to exceed 100 miles, the official authorization for the flight must be updated. That authorization is documented in the flight release, which captures the planned route, altitude, fuel plan, weather considerations, alternates, and other operational details. If the route shifts significantly, the existing release no longer reflects the actual flight plan, which can affect fuel calculations, contingency planning, and regulatory compliance. Reissuing the release ensures everyone—pilot, dispatcher, and control—has synchronized, current information and the flight remains properly documented and auditable. Simply notifying dispatch or amending the flight plan without issuing a new release leaves the formal authorization outdated, and filing another flight plan isn’t the appropriate step because the release is the controlling document for the flight.