The FAA has again pushed the implementation of the international flight plan form (ICAO) for all civil domestic flights. The FAA previously delayed the mandate until January 2017, and will now plan to eliminate the use of the domestic format flight plan to "early spring" of 2017.
Formal testing of the operating systems will begin in mid-January. Upon successful completion of testing, the specific implementation date will be announced at least 30 days in advance.
ICAO 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. iFlightPlanner is, and has been ready since this change was first proposed in 2012!
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.
The FAA has issued an informal guidance document that highlights changes specific to the international flight plan form that pertain exclusively to flight within the National Airspace System.
Should you have any questions specific to filing ICAO flight plans in iFlightPlanner, please don't hesitate to contact us!
The iFlightPlanner Crew
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