Abstract: An apparatus and method of canceling a flight plan of an aircraft to facilitate release of an IFR airspace to other aircraft and for communicating the location of a downed aircraft during emergencies. A controller receives and analyzes positioning signals transmitted from know locations to determine the location of the aircraft periodically. Upon arrival of the aircraft at its destination, the controller calls the air traffic controllers to cancel the flight plan. In the event of an emergency, the controller calls the air traffic control center to report the emergency and the location of the aircraft with high accuracy to improve search and rescue operations.