Definition
A free-text section of an IFR flight plan (Block 11 on FAA Form 7233-1) used to enter information that does not fit into any of the structured fields, such as requests, equipment notes, operational details, or any item ATC needs to know that the standard form does not capture.
Plain English
The 'notes' box on a flight plan. It's where you write anything important that doesn't have its own dedicated spot on the form.
Context Anchor
Seen as a labeled box on flight plan forms and flight-planning screens during IFR preflight planning.
Derivation
From the French 'remarquer,' meaning 'to notice again' or 'to point out.' On a flight plan, remarks are the items you specifically want ATC or other readers to take notice of.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures ATC receives essential details that affect routing, separation, or handling, directly supporting flight safety.
Intuition Check
REMARKS does not mean casual comments or private reminders here. It means operational notes that are part of the flight plan information.
Example Sentence 1
She entered 'Student pilot' in the Remarks section so ATC would know to expect slower readbacks.
Example Sentence 2
In remarks the pilot noted a request for the RNAV departure to avoid a nearby military operations area.