An aircraft on a VFR or DVFR flight plan is considered overdue how many minutes after the estimated time of arrival (ETA)?

An aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Defense Visual Flight Rules (DVFR) is considered overdue if it has not arrived at its destination at least 30 minutes after its estimated time of arrival (ETA). This 30-minute threshold is an established guideline that allows air traffic controllers and other responsible parties sufficient time to assess the situation and initiate appropriate search and rescue operations if necessary.

While this rule is consistent for VFR and DVFR flights, other types of flight plans, such as IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), may have different procedures for declaring an aircraft overdue. This distinction is crucial for understanding how the classification of flight rules impacts overdue handling procedures. Understanding this timeframe helps enhance aviation safety by ensuring timely responses to potential emergencies.