A delay report should be sent via ACARS when the ETA will be more than how many minutes past the original planned arrival?

A delay report should be sent via ACARS when the ETA will be more than how many minutes past the original planned arrival?

• A. 5 minutes
• B. 10 minutes
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 20 minutes

Answer: (C)

ACARS delay reports exist to keep operations in the loop when a flight is slipping significantly from its plan. The rule is to send a delay report when the ETA will be more than 15 minutes past the original planned arrival. This 15-minute threshold strikes a balance: it flags meaningful schedule slips early enough for dispatch, ground ops, and customer service to adjust gate, crew, and connections, without overloading with minor updates for small delays. If the delay is 15 minutes or less, a formal report isn’t required by this rule, and shorter updates or routine communications may cover it. The other options would either trigger reports too early for minor delays or wait too long for a delay that already affects operations.

ACARS delay reports exist to keep operations in the loop when a flight is slipping significantly from its plan. The rule is to send a delay report when the ETA will be more than 15 minutes past the original planned arrival. This 15-minute threshold strikes a balance: it flags meaningful schedule slips early enough for dispatch, ground ops, and customer service to adjust gate, crew, and connections, without overloading with minor updates for small delays. If the delay is 15 minutes or less, a formal report isn’t required by this rule, and shorter updates or routine communications may cover it. The other options would either trigger reports too early for minor delays or wait too long for a delay that already affects operations.