Canadian Aviation Regulations

704.17 (1) No air operator shall permit a person to commence a flight unless an operational flight plan that meets the Commercial Air Service Standards has been prepared.

(2) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft shall ensure that one copy of the operational flight plan is left at a point of departure, in accordance with the procedures specified in the company operations manual, and that another copy is carried on board the aircraft until the aircraft reaches the final destination of the flight.

(3) An air operator shall retain a copy of the operational flight plan, including any amendments to that plan, for at least 180 days after the day on which the flight is completed.