What are important things to keep in mind when computing IFR Flight Plan?

Aircraft and Equipment type

Weather forecasts and planning

Estimated depature and arrival time

Safety Regulations

Flight planning require actual weather and forecasts

Departure, arrival and Alternate aerodrome 

Fuel on board

Estimated Time of Departure and Estimated Time of Arrival 

Cruising Altitude

Aircraft type and Equipment

Payload 

Safety regulations require

Always keep in Mind

1) Departure/ Arrival /Alternate Airport for the planned flight

2) Fuel on Board (Endurance)

3) EET or ETA (Expected flight time)

4) Route (Avoid high traffic and restricted routes and way  points)

5) Altitude (Cruise altitude)

6) Aircraft type and Equipment

7) Payload ( Most important factor)

Flight planning requires accurate weather forecasts so that fuel consumption calculations can account for the fuel consumption effects of head or tail winds and air temperature. Safety regulations require aircraft to carry fuel beyond the minimum needed to fly from origin to destination, allowing for unforeseen circumstances or for diversion to another airport if the planned destination becomes unavailable. Furthermore, under the supervision of air traffic control, aircraft flying in controlled airspace must follow predetermined routes known as airways, even if such routes are not as economical as a more direct flight