The FAA and AOPA are seeking comment on planned changes to flight services, including a new flight plan format scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.
The new flight plan will follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) format, which is already used in a majority of countries around the world. The FAA offers a sample form and instructions for completing it.
In addition to introducing the new flight plan format, the FAA intends to consolidate Flight Watch services into existing in-flight frequencies. There will be no change to the services available. Instead, pilots will simply use standard in-flight frequencies to contact Flight Watch.
The FAA is also proposing to phase out Remote Airport Advisory Service, which provides CTAF communications, automated weather reporting, and other information through remote facilities not located on the airport served. Only 19 airports still have the service, which has been gradually replaced in most locations.
More details about all the proposed changes are available at the FAA website.
AOPA is encouraging members to send comments on the proposed changes to the association. The comments will be reviewed by AOPA’s government affairs staff and shared with the FAA to help determine the impact on pilots.
