FAA corrects error in Pacific Chart Supplement

According to the Pacific Chart Supplement, pilots flying to or transiting the small islands of Hawaii would be required to file an IFR or Defense VFR flight plan regardless of their speed. The Letter to Airmen correcting the chart supplement notes that, “In accordance with 14 CFR 99.7, Part 99 exempts aircraft operating at true airspeed of less than 180 knots from the requirement to file a flight plan while operating in the Hawaii ADIZ or over any island, or within 12 nautical miles of the coastline of any island, in the Hawaii ADIZ.”

However, both letters advise pilots flying aircraft with a true airspeed less than 180 knots to voluntarily file flight plans when flying between the big and small islands to “reduce potential intercept by Air Defense fighter aircraft." As depicted in the supplement, the small islands are encompassed by an “inner boundary” air defense identification zone, with the big island of Hawaii in the “outer boundary.”

“We appreciate the FAA’s quick response to correct this error in the Pacific Chart Supplement,” said Nobuyo Sakata, AOPA director of aviation security.

The FAA has acknowledged to AOPA that such a change in flight procedures would require rulemaking. The Letters to Airmen are valid until Nov. 9, 2018.