When should ATC be notified of a deviation from a VFR flight plan?

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Notifying Air Traffic Control (ATC) of a deviation from a VFR flight plan as soon as possible is important for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety in the airspace. When a pilot deviates from their planned route, whether due to weather conditions, navigational issues, or other factors, it's essential to communicate this change to ATC to provide them with updated information about the aircraft's intentions and location.

This timely notification allows ATC to adjust their traffic management and assist other aircraft in the vicinity, thereby preventing potential conflicts and ensuring safety for all airspace users. Prompt communication also helps ATC to maintain accurate flight records and situational awareness, which is particularly crucial in busy airspace.

In contrast, notifying ATC before making a deviation, immediately upon landing, or after the flight is completed would not support optimal safety and operational efficiency. Each of those instances would delay ATC’s ability to manage air traffic effectively, which is why the key principle of notifying them as soon as possible is the correct approach.

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