IFR Flight Plans

[Sidious]

On Fltplan.com they have 2 different types of IFR flight plans
1. IFR (ICAO Format)
2. IFR (Domestic Format)

The ICAO format goes on to say that you MUST file this type if you are going to use RNAV routes like Q and T routes.... I had not heard of this before.

So when I call FSS to file they always ask if I want to file a Domestic flight plan

If I wanted to use RNAV routes then would I just say I want to file an ICAO plan?

Thanks

 

[tykrtr]

Hadn't heard about the Q route requirement, however, here's what AOPA says about the change,

"If a pilot desires assignment of any routing containing an RNAV SID or RNAV STAR, they will need to file their flight plan with an ICAO form. Pilots will still be able to file with a NAS flight plan form, be assigned conventional routing, and amend their route requests through the controllers. This requirement is due to the fact that the ERAM [new FAA computer] system is unable to decipher the suffixes used in the NAS flight plan (/E, /J, etc.). "

I don't often see RNAV SIDs or STARS, however, if you're flying into most busy airports now, they'll expect you to be able to fly it if you've got the equipment. If you use the "old form" and are unable to file RNAV sids/stars, the Center will assign them anyway, so I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to file them. If you're calling FSS to file flight plans, you've got lots more to worry about than ICAO vs Domestic.

Personally, I prefer the old domestic way, but that's just because I don't have to remember the K to get it to recognize KDAB.

Here's some more information from our friends at the F'nAA:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...ato/service_units/enroute/flight_plan_filing/

 

[KSCessnaDriver]

Hmm, interesting. I didn't know any of that, and I've filed Tango airways on the old flight plan form. Even got ATC to give it to me, so I'm not sure what the deal is.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

I used a Q route coming out of TEB the other day and it made a DRAMATIC difference (for the better) in the time it took them to get us up to cruise altitude and on our way.

I am embarrassed to admit though that I didn't know what / if any requirements there were to use a q-route. We're dual GPS waas installed.

 

[braunpilot]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Per CSC DUATS:

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]When to use the DOMESTIC ICAO Form [/FONT]

The CSC DUATS Domestic ICAO flight plan form may be used for any domestic flight. The Domestic ICAO form will accept and validate inputs that are allowed for domestic flights but are not allowed in international ICAO flight plans. A domestic flight is defined as one which departs and lands wholly within domestic U.S. airspace (i.e., the conterminous 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii and/or Puerto Rico). The Domestic ICAO flight plan must be used for automatic assignment of RNAV SIDs, STARs and can be used but is not required to file PTP in U.S. domestic airspace.
The DUATS non-domestic ICAO flight plan form must be used to file flight plans where the destination is a foreign country or when overflying any foreign airspace, i.e. Canada, Mexico.
Pilots can continue to file a NAS Flight Plan/FAA Form 7233-1 (the standard domestic flight plan form) in these cases:

• Pilots filing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plans.
• Pilots filing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plans who are not qualified for, or who do not want departure or arrival RNAV routes.
• Pilots filing point to point (GPS/LORAN/RNAV direct) and "Q" and "T" routes.

IFR flight plans for pilots who are qualified and desire RNAV departure or arrival routing, ( including RNAV (SIDs) and (STARs) are required to use FAA Form 7233-4.
ICAO Equipment and RNAV Capability Information Requirements
RNAV Information required

• If you are RNAV1/RNAV 2 capable in accordance with Advisory Circular (AC) 90-100A, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations,

If you are RNAV 1 and/or RNAV 2 capable and want to file RNAV Departure and or Arrival procedures, you must:

1. Enter in Item 10, Equipment - In addition to identifying all available and serviceable communication, navigation, approach aid and surveillance equipment carried on your aircraft, for RNAV 1 insert "R", "G", or "I" and the character "Z".

2. Enter in Item 18, Other Information - Insert "NAV/RNV" followed by the appropriate RNAV accuracy value(s) per the following:

If you are RNAV1/RNAV2 capable IAW AC900-100A

• * To be assigned an RNAV 1 STAR, insert the characters "A1".
  * To be assigned an RNAV 1 SID, insert the characters "D1".
  * To be assigned en route extensions and/or RNAV PTP, insert the characters "E2".

Examples: NAV/RNVD1
NAV/RNVA1
NAV/RNVE2
NAV/RNVD1A1

If you are RNAV PTP capable but not RNAV 1 and/or RNAV 2 capable, you may:

1. Enter in Item 10, Equipment - In addition to identifying all available and serviceable communication, navigation, approach aid and surveillance equipment carried on your aircraft, For basic RNAV "D" and/or "C" are appropriate plus insert the character "Z".

2. Enter in Item 18, Other Information - Insert "RMK/PTP" and "NAV/RNVE99"

Example: RMK/PTP NAV/RNVE99