New Flight Plan Format for Domestic IFR Operations Coming Soon

Aug. 26, 2016

Pilots flying under instrument flight rules within the United States need to familiarize themselves with a new IFR flight plan form that is expected to go into effect early next year.

Pilots operating internationally, or flying RNAV procedures in the U.S., have used the new form, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), since 2012. While crews should find the transition generally familiar, two new fields may give operators pause.

“The ICAO flight plan provides for much greater detail about the capabilities of the aircraft and its crew,” explained John Kosak, program manager with NBAA Air Traffic Services. “The codes placed in Fields 10 and 18 more clearly detail what specific departure, enroute and approach clearances you’re able to accept from air traffic control on each flight.”

Rich Boll, chairman of the ATC, Airspace and Flight Technologies Working Group of the NBAA Access Committee, was among the team that offered guidance to the FAA on the new codes.

“Unlike the old “/” codes that pilots have used for decades, the ICAO codes are intentionally dynamic,” Boll said. “Equipment onboard the aircraft may remain constant, but the operation must maintain OpSpec/LOA and crew training on using it. If those approvals have lapsed, or a piece of necessary equipment has gone MEL, crews may not be able to accept the same clearances.”

Boll emphasized that pilots need to familiarize themselves with the new codes, which are intended to maximize efficiency in the national airspace system, in order for those advantages to be realized.

“Controllers often ask crews if they are able to accept an RNAV procedure or route,” said Boll. “The ICAO codes in the flight plan tell the controller what the aircraft can do. This greatly simplifies the process.

“That said,” Boll concluded, “pilots need to file the RNAV procedure or route in the first place when they include the RNAV flight plan codes. If they don’t, they can expect questions from the controller.”