When En Route Flight Data Processing is not operational, to whom should flight plan information be forwarded?

When En Route Flight Data Processing is not operational, it is essential to maintain effective communication and coordination for flight operations. Forwarding flight plan information to the Air Traffic Control Facility is crucial because this facility is responsible for managing and providing air traffic services. They oversee the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in their jurisdiction and need accurate flight plan data to issue clearances, provide traffic advisories, and ensure safe separation between flights.

In this context, the Air Traffic Control Facility is the central hub that ensures all necessary parties are informed about the flight plans, enabling them to manage air traffic effectively. This action helps mitigate potential risks associated with the absence of automated data processing systems.

The other options, while they have their roles in aviation, do not serve the immediate need to process and manage flight plans in the same operational capacity as the Air Traffic Control Facility. For instance, a Federal Flight Service Station focuses more on providing pre-flight services to pilots rather than executing air traffic control functions. Additionally, Military Base Operations typically deal with military flights and may not be equipped to handle civil aviation flight plans in the same way. Meanwhile, the Airline Operations Center is primarily concerned with managing airline-specific operations and logistics, rather than coordinating air traffic on a broader scale.