Comments Due on Proposal To Remove Charts

Today is the deadline for comments on last year’s announcement by the Department of Defense that it plans to remove its flight information publications (FLIP), digital aeronautical flight information file (DAFIF) and related aeronautical navigation digital and hardcopy publications from public sale. The original notice proposed an effective date of October 1 this year, but initial feedback from the public prompted the DOD to open the proposal for comments. Comments can be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. The government said its reasons for limiting the distribution of charts is to “protect the integrity of critical navigation data, limit the ability of malicious individuals or organizations to acquire that data, satisfy the copyright concerns of certain international source providers and avoid competition with the commercial marketplace.” The charts that might be withdrawn comprise all of the unclassified National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency products, including operational navigation charts and tactical pilotage charts. According to the DOD, the FAA’s national aeronautical charting office produces flight information publications covering most of North America, and several commercial vendors produce worldwide aeronautical information.