Definition
A telephone-based service, available at certain Flight Service Stations, that allows a pilot to record a VFR or IFR flight plan as a voice message rather than speaking to a briefer in real time. The recording is later transcribed and entered into the flight plan system by Flight Service personnel.
Plain English
A way to file your flight plan by leaving a recorded message on a dedicated phone line, instead of waiting to talk to a person at Flight Service.
Context Anchor
Used when filing a flight plan, especially for flights that repeat the same basic information from one trip to another.
Derivation
Called 'Fast' because it lets the pilot file quickly without waiting on hold for a briefer, and 'File' because the end result is a filed flight plan.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces hold times during busy periods and provides 24-hour access for filing without needing to speak with a briefer.
Analogy
It is like using a saved form online: the basic information is already there, and you only update what changed before submitting it.
Intuition Check
Fast File does not mean the flight itself gets priority or faster handling. It means the filing process is faster because saved flight-plan information is being reused.
Example Sentence 1
With the briefer line tied up, the pilot used Fast File to record the IFR flight plan and then waited a few minutes before calling for clearance.
Example Sentence 2
Using Fast File let her avoid the long wait for a live briefer during evening rush.