Flight Plan Filers Guidance for International Flight Planning
Procedures for filing an International Flight Plan (FAA Form 7233-4)
FAA form 7233-4 is based on the format from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO format is based on ICAO document 4444 Procedures for Air Navigation Services-Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM).
An ICAO Filed flight plan (FPL) is required whenever the flight intends to cross an international boundary or an oceanic CTA/FIR boundary. For flights departing U.S. airports and operating over U.S. domestic airspace and/or offshore control areas, but do not penetrate the oceanic CTA/FIR boundary or borders, a U.S. domestic flight plan (NAS FP) can be filed but an ICAO is always preferred.
If the pilot intends to fly an RNAV arrival and/or departure then an ICAO FPL must be filed using the equipment qualifier “Z” in addition to the RNAV Capabilities in item 18. (Other information) Operators should file their maximum capabilities in order to qualify for the most advanced procedures. See the General information section of this website for additional information.
If the pilot intends to operate in MNPS (Minimum Navigation Performance Specification) airspace then he or she should file the equipment qualifier “X” to indicate the aircraft satisfies MNPS lateral navigation performance requirements.
If the Pilot intends to operate in RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) airspace, he/she should file the equipment qualifier “W” in order to be cleared into RVSM airspace.
For a step by step instruction on how to fill out an ICAO flight plan form (Form 7233-4) click here.
Note when reviewing this document you will note the qualifiers W and X are defined as “When prescribed by ATS”. (Air Traffic Service). The FAA assumes “W” is RVSM, and “X” is MNPS. The PANS-ATM will have the corrections to the qualifiers in the next revision in 2012.
Addressing guidance for ICAO Flight Plans via AFTN network click here.
Note: When operating from Edmonton Center (CZEG) to Salt Lake Center (KZLC) copy KZLCZQZX.