ICAO Flight Planning modifications for 2012
Are you ready for ICAO 2012 flight plan changes?
Example showing new and modified FPL elements, in particular the addition of number and letter combinations in fields10a & 10b, the inclusion of Performance Based Navigation indicators in PBN/ within field18 and the ability to file up to 5 days in advance of the Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT) using DOF/ (Date Of Flight)
The amendments to flight plan content announced by ICAO for worldwide implementation in November 2012 go to the very core of flight plan processing.
"The nature and scope of the amendment is to update the ICAO model flight plan form in order to meet the needs of aircraft with advanced capabilities and the evolving requirements of automated air traffic management (ATM) systems, while taking into account compatibility with existing systems, human factors, training, cost and transition aspects."
ICAO State Letter (AN 13/2.1-08/50) - 25 June 2008
Significant changes
Significant changes to data structures, in particular in the syntax of flight planning messages, the use of new indications in Europe and the update of Air Traffic Services Data EXchange Presentation (ADEXP) specification as well as the On-Line Data Interchange (OLDI) Specification will affect all systems and some operational procedures.
Enabler for the use of advanced CNS capabilities
These changes to PANS-ATM are an important enabler for the use of advanced Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) capabilities.
They provide the ability to distinguish the traffic on the basis of more specific CNS capabilities allowing improved traffic and flow management processes and procedures enhancing overall network capacity.
Testing and Training
Main focus of attention is now the organisation of testing & training activities.
A comprehensive testing package (see 'EUR Test Plan' section on our Testing overview page) a new e-learning module ICAO 2012 Flight Planning Modifications and an ICAO 2012 Flight Plan guide are available to help anyone involved in flight operations prepare for these changes.
Find out more about:
Safety Scan
A Safety Scan which takes a high level view of the proposed changes and identifies the possible impact for each of the main participant groups (Aircraft Operators, Flight Plan Service Providers, ATC Units, AROs, etc.) was performed by the 2012 Task Force.
It provides a very useful checklist of potential issues for all those who may be affected by the 2012 changes. The latest version of the Safety Scan Register is now available.
2012 Task Force
A dedicated '2012 Task Force' was established by and tasked to coordinate the detailed changes to the interface specifications and operational procedures, including deployment and transition issues, necessary to achieve a smooth implementation by 15 November 2012.
