What should students inquire about if the interface with another facility is down?

Inquiring if the receiving controller has a flight plan is critical when the interface with another facility is down because it directly relates to the safety and management of air traffic. Understanding whether a flight plan is on file helps in determining the status and intentions of aircraft that may be involved, especially during a communication outage. This information is essential in coordinating with other facilities or ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to maintain safe separation between aircraft.

While other factors, such as the presence of aircraft in the area or changes in weather conditions, are also important for situational awareness, the specific knowledge of whether a flight plan exists provides concrete data that can guide decisions in managing air traffic during a communication disruption. Knowing the flight plan status allows controllers to prioritize and effectively manage the flow of traffic despite the downed interface.