The FAA has successfully completed system testing and will\ntransition to mandatory use of the international flight plan format for all IFR\nand VFR domestic and international civil flights on August 27, 2019. The change\nis part of an effort to modernize and streamline flight planning and supports\nthe FAA\u2019s NextGen initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several improvements to the international form make it\neasier and more intuitive for pilots to use and will increase safety, which\ninclude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An increase in the size of the departure and destination\nfields to allow a greater variety of entry types, including Special Flight\nRules Area (SFRA) flight plans<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A wake turbulence category (maximum certificated take-off\nmass)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
H \u2013 Heavy (300,000 lbs. or more)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M \u2013 Medium (less than 300,000 lbs. but more than 15,500\nlbs.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L \u2013 Light (15,500 lbs. or less)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transmission of the supplemental pilot data field, which\ncontains pilot contact information, along with the VFR flight plan to the\ndestination facility, to reduce Search and Rescue response times<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air traffic control gains access to detailed equipment codes\nto identify aircraft capability<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The international format will also allow for integration of\nPerformance Based Navigation (PBN) and enhance air traffic control services by\nallowing for easier identification of equipage, which can make greater use of\nairspace. When using flight plan filing services, all features available today\nwill be part of the new format and provide an additional level of detail\nrequired for deployment of the FAA\u2019s NextGen technologies and procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n