What must be present for an automatic track initiation to occur?

Automatic track initiation typically requires a stored flight plan. This is because the system needs predefined parameters such as waypoints, routes, and other relevant flight data to successfully identify and track an aircraft. The stored flight plan provides a reference that the radar system uses to determine the expected flight path and parameters of an aircraft. Without this information, the system lacks the necessary context to initiate tracking automatically.

In contrast, while an active radar system is crucial for detecting and monitoring aircraft, it does not, by itself, create the conditions needed for automatic track initiation to occur. Additionally, a flight log, while useful for documenting operational details about flights, does not directly contribute to the automatic tracking process. Finally, a flight clearance is essential for authorizing flight maneuvers and ensuring air traffic safety, but it doesn’t specifically facilitate the automatic initiation of tracking within radar systems. Thus, the stored flight plan is the key element required for automatic track initiation.