Flight release is like filing a flight plan with the FAA. It needs to be done right.

First ensure that the person that you contacted is a current flight release officer (must be listed on the FRO list posted on the Wing web site)

Also, be aware that scheduling the aircraft is not a flight release... nor does a flight release schedule the airplane. It may be the same person, but they are different functions.

Make sure that you and the FRO agree on the Mission Symbol and then use that Symbol on the Aircraft Flight Log.

Give the FRO a realistic estimated time of your flight, and when you will be back on the ground.

Make sure that you check the tach beginning time and the Hobbs beginning time. These numbers need to be accurate. If they are not, make a note in the aircraft flight log... but use the right times.

Make sure that you fill in the FRO's last name -- and please make it readable. The only flight that does not need an FRO is a maintenance ground run-up (but it still needs to be in the Aircraft Flight Log).

Call back after the flight and tell the FRO the actual flight time based on the Hobbs. This is the same as closing your flight plan with the FAA. If you don’t call back within the designated time, they should start looking for you. 

This is easy if we do it right!