Flight strips are best described as:

• A. Paper strips used for weather forecasting.
• B. Electronic records of passenger manifests.
• C. ONBOARD computer data for autopilot.
• D. Paper strips containing instrument flight information used by ATC when processing flight plans.

Answer: (D)

Flight strips are the paper records used by air traffic control to carry the instrument flight information for an aircraft as its flight plan is processed. Each strip lists essential data such as aircraft identification, route or assigned airways, altitude, speed, estimated times, and any updates or amendments. Controllers use these strips to sequence traffic, coordinate handoffs between control positions, and keep a clear, tangible picture of where each aircraft is and what it’s doing. They’re not about weather forecasts, passenger manifests, or onboard autopilot data; those items relate to weather planning, passenger lists, or cockpit systems. In short, flight strips are the external record ATC uses to manage and monitor flights through the system.