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number of people, an advisory may be sent.
Additionally, there may be times when an advisory is
not sent due to workload or the short length of time of
the activity.
3.
Route information is available on the website
and in specific advisories. Some route information,
subject to the 56
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day publishing cycle, is located on
the “OIS” under “Products,” Route Management
Tool (RMT), and “What’s New” Playbook. The RMT
and Playbook contain routings for use by Air Traffic
and NAS operators when they are coordinated
“real
−
time” and are then published in an ATCSCC
advisory.
4.
Route advisories are identified by the word
“Route” in the header; the associated action is
required (RQD), recommended (RMD), planned
(PLN), or for your information (FYI). Operators are
expected to file flight plans consistent with the Route
RQD advisories.
5.
Electronic System Impact Reports are on the
intranet at http://www.atcscc.faa.gov/ois/ under
“System Impact Reports.” This page lists scheduled
outages/events/projects that significantly impact
the NAS; for example, runway closures, air shows,
and construction projects. Information includes
anticipated delays and traffic management initia-
tives (TMI) that may be implemented.
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5. Flight Plan
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VFR Flights
(See Appendix 4, FAA Form 7233
−
4 – International
Flight Plan)
a.
The requirements for the filing and activation of
VFR flight plans can vary depending in which
airspace the flight is operating. Pilots are responsible
for activating flight plans with a Flight Service
Station. Control tower personnel do not automatical-
ly activate VFR flight plans.
1.
Within the continental U.S., a VFR flight plan
is not normally required.
2.
VFR flights (except for DOD and law
enforcement flights) into an Air Defense Identifica-
tion Zone (ADIZ) are required to file DVFR flight
plans.
NOTE
−
Detailed ADIZ procedures are found inSection 6, National
Security and Interception Procedures, of this chapter. (See
14 CFR Part 99).
3.
Flights within the Washington, DC Special
Flight Rules Area have additional requirements that
must be met. Visit http://www.faasafety.gov for the
required Special Awareness Training that must be
completed before flight within this area.
4.
VFR flight to an international destination
requires a filed and activated flight plan.
NOTE
−
ICAO flight plan guidance is published in ICAO Document
4444 PANS
−
ATM Appendix 2.
b.
It is strongly recommended that a VFR flight
plan be filed with a Flight Service Station or
equivalent flight plan filing service. When filing,
pilots must use FAA Form 7233
−
4, International
Flight Plan or DD Form 1801. Only DOD users, and
civilians who file stereo route flight plans, may use
FAA Form 7233
−
1, Flight Plan. Pilots may take
advantage of advances in technology by filing their
flight plans using any available electronic means.
Activating the flight plan will ensure that you receive
VFR Search and Rescue services.
c.
When a stopover flight is anticipated, it is
recommended that a separate flight plan be filed for
each leg of the flight.
d.
Pilots are encouraged to activate their VFR
flight plans with Flight Service by the most
expeditious means possible. This may be via radio or
other electronic means. VFR flight plan proposals are
normally retained for two hours following the
proposed time of departure.
e.
Pilots may also activate a VFR flight plan by
using an assumed departure time. This assumed
departure time will cause the flight plan to become
active at the designated time. This may negate the
need for communication with a flight service station
or flight plan filing service upon departure. It is the
pilot’s responsibility to revise his actual departure
time, time en route, or ETA with flight service.
NOTE
−
Pilots are strongly advised to remain mindful when using
an assumed departure time. If not updated, search and
rescue activities will be based on the assumed departure
time.
f.
U.S. air traffic control towers do not routinely
activate VFR flight plans. Foreign pilots especially
must be mindful of the need to communicate directly
Preflight
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