What is the first step after filing a flight plan if you wish to depart within one hour?

The first step after filing a flight plan, if you wish to depart within one hour, involves the processing of that flight plan by the appropriate Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). Once the flight plan is filed, the processing ARTCC is responsible for disseminating the flight plan information to other ARTCCs along your intended route of flight. This coordination is crucial as it allows relevant air traffic control facilities to prepare for your departure and manage airspace efficiently.

Understanding how flight plans are communicated is essential for ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of your intended route and that air traffic can be organized effectively. This helps prevent conflicts and enhances situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers.

While waiting for the departure time, proceeding to the taxiway without a clearance, or contacting the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) may seem like potential actions, they do not align with the proper protocol following the filing of a flight plan. Specifically, taking actions such as taxiing without clearance can lead to safety hazards and violations of air traffic control procedures.