The FAA is once again proposing to implement flight planning for civil aircraft exclusively under the ICAO format flight plan. Beginning October 1, 2016, the FAA plans to eliminate use of the domestic format flight plan and make the transition to ICAO format.
These flight plans contain specific information relating to the proposed flight of an aircraft and controllers use them to provide air traffic services based on the capabilities of each aircraft. Today pilots file flight plans in the U.S. under either the domestic or ICAO format, and the use of one format will simplify the process and align U.S. flight plans with ICAO standards.
This flight planning QuickTip will show you how to easily update your iFlightPlanner aircraft profiles and enjoy a seamless transition to the new ICAO flight plan format when creating and filing flight plans with iFlightPlanner.
As referenced in the video, there is a lot of aircraft-specific information required to file the ICAO flight plans. However, if you are only flying domestically the FAA requires less ICAO data.
» Simplified Guidance for United States Domestic Flights Using the ICAO Flight Plan Format
For more information you may reference the 2012 ICAO Flight Plan Implementation InFO and the Operational Approval Guidance Table to ensure the accuracy of your aircraft profiles. Should you have any further questions specific to the ICAO flight plans, the FAA is encouraging pilots to contact them directly.
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