Story ID: 
Airspace Flow Program Advisory Released
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: On May 1, the FAA will implement a new air traffic management initiative called the Airspace Flow Program.
Word Count: 133
On May 1, the FAA will implement a new air traffic management initiative called the Airspace Flow Program. To explain the AFP, the FAA recently released Advisory Circular 90-102. The AFP is used when severe weather constrains traffic in the Northeast, and affected pilots will receive an expect departure clearance time (EDCT) before takeoff, which helps ATC meter traffic through areas with severe weather. The EDCT is mandatory and could affect traffic at all flight levels. Westbound flights are not part of the AFP. Beginning May 1, pilots flying eastbound toward the Northeast should check for AFP constraints during preflight planning at www.fly.faa.gov/adv/advAdvisoryForm.jsp. For EDCTs that apply to specific aircraft or to monitor changes, see the EDCT lookup form at www.fly.faa.gov/edct (should be live May 1).