In the old days it would be held in "temporary storage" at the flight plans
originating computer. It would then be printed out at the sector and
terminal facility approximately 30 minutes prior to the Proposed Departure
time. This was a site paramater that could be adjusted. Now it also may
have parameters from the DUATS.

Al

"Newps" wrote in message
...


Peter R. wrote:


I ask this because I occasionally will arrive at the airport and
preflight
much earlier than I anticipated, then call for my clearance only to
discover that ATC cannot find my flight plan. It then dawns on me that I
am attempting to get my clearance earlier than 1/2 hour prior to my
estimated departure time, which means the flight plan is not yet
available
to the controller.

Another difference with DUATS and AFSS filed flight plans is with an AFSS
filed flight plan I have access to it immediately via the Tower's FDIO. A
DUATs flightplan doesn't get sent to the center immediately therefore when
you show up early I have no access to your flightplan because it isn't in
the system yet.