ICAO FPL 2012 - knowledge and full support available
6 SEP 2012
"The nature and scope of the amendment [to flight plan content] 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
The worldwide implementation of ICAO Flight Plan changes will take place on 15 November 2012. This will have significant impact on anyone who creates or receives flight plan messages: air navigation service providers (ANSPs), aircraft operators, air traffic services reporting offices (AROs) and flight plan service providers.
The Network Manager accepted ICAO Paris Office’s request to coordinate the European Implementation Plan.
The Network Manager (NM) has worked with Member States to upgrade the Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System (IFPS), the system used to receive and process flight plans for all IFR/GAT flights taking place in the European region. NM has also prepared information packages, operational and training material to help users file their plans correctly.
However, other ICAO regions may also consult the material.
Everything is available online at www.eurocontrol.int/fpl2012.
Questions can also be put to our experts.
The main changes affect
- field 10 in the standard flight plan, the section describing the equipment carried by the aircraft (and its capabilities)
- the way in which this information is described in field 18
- the ability to file up to five days in advance of the estimated off-block time (EOBT) using the date of flight (DOF).
Although the changes require system modifications, it is also important to realise that much more information is now required concerning the flight’s communication, navigation and surveillance capabilities.
So, all those involved in the operational preparation and maintenance of the flight plan need to have greater knowledge and understanding of these capabilities as well as know about crew qualification, aircraft certification and approvals, etc.
This is not a trivial adjustment and the operational impact, as opposed to pure systems impact, should not be underestimated.
Aircraft Operators are requested to begin filing flight plans in the new format from 12 November onwards, so as to ensure that by 15 November only new format data exists in the systems.
Please note that 15 November 2012 is the ultimate deadline, after which the current or old format messages will no longer be accepted.
Aircraft Operators are strongly recommended not to wait until 15 November to make the changeover.
Flight plans which have been incorrectly completed may cause delays to individual flights and will affect the efficiency of the whole European network.
Play your part in making the worldwide implementation of ICAO flight plan changes go smoothly. Participate in the test sessions so that you can be certain your operations will work without a hitch!
Tests, frequently asked questions, flight plan filing guidance, an e-learning module and other training material can be found at www.eurocontrol.int/fpl2012