Story ID: 
FAA Delays  Flight Plan Format Transition
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The latest delay enables  the FAA to integrates enhancements to the format while avoiding disruptions during the busy summer flying season.
Word Count: 258
The FAA has once again delayed implementation of a requirement to use the International Flight Plan format for all civil flights filed with flight service. The agency made the decision to move the implementation to the fall after meeting recently with Nav Canada and flight service vendors Harris Corporation, CSRA and Ledios to review testing among the operation systems.

"Additional time will allow all service providers to address required changes identified in testing and integrate enhancements to the international format, while avoiding system changes during the busy summer flying season,” the FAA said, adding it would provide a 30-day advance notice when it has decided on a final implementation date.

Moving to an International Flight Plan format enables the FAA to align the form (7233-4) with International Civil Aviation Organization standards and to integrate new capabilities such as performance-based navigation, the agency said.

Originally set for October 2015, implementation of the format has been pushed back several times as the FAA worked with vendors, Nav Canada and operators to simplify guidance and test the system. The FAA also has previously delayed implementation at the request of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which had sought time to educate operators about the change. The most recent targeted implementation date was June 5.

Form 7233-4 already is in use for international IFR flights and available for voluntary use domestically. Once the transition is completed, the form will be required for all IFR and VFR filings in the National Airspace System, AOPA said.