ICAO Flight Plan Filing Overview

On June 29, 2008, the FAA implemented changes in all en route Host computer systems. These changes permit automatic assignment of RNAV Standard Instrument Departures (SID), Standard Terminal Arrivals (STAR) and preferential routes, based on the airborne equipment and capabilities filed in an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Filed Flight Plan (FPL). These changes were made to facilitate the transition from the current Host computer system to the planned En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system at the 20 domestic Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC).

Since eligibility for assignment of RNAV procedures is now based on information filed in the ICAO flight plan, these procedures will only be available to operators filing FPLs. However, those operators who continue to file the NAS Flight Plan (FP) will remain eligible for assignment of non-RNAV SIDs, STARs and preferential routes.

Flight Plan Filing Topics

General Information - Detailed view of the transition with schedule information and links to reference documents.
Filing Instructions Step-by-step instructions on filing an ICAO FPL and notes special instructions for domestic-only ICAO FPLs.
Filing FAQs- Categorized questions and answers with a link for submitting questions.

FAA Headquarters Letter to Airmen No. 08-01 (PDF)
Subject: Flight Plan Filing Changes for Pilots Desiring Area Navigation (RNAV) Arrival or Departure Routes.

News

On November 15, 2012 the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Filed Flight Plan (FPL) will undergo significant changes regarding Item and Field contents for FPLs and related messages. For additional information click here.

FAA cooperates with adjacent Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) to automate the international exchange of flight planning information. For additional information, including test plans for Miami Center to Havana Area Control Center, click here.