A Call for Harmonization Coming Changes to the ICAO Flight Plan Form

摘要

Amendment 1 to the PANS-ATM (Doc 4444), 15th Edition, includes provisions for a new ICAO model Flight Plan (FPL) with associated instructions. The amendment becomes applicable on 15 November 2012. Although the changes to the flight plan do not represent any major modifications to the present ICAO model FPL form itself, they do introduce several new field entries to provide for the operational use of advanced technologies and capabilities of airborne and ground-based systems in the provision of Air Traffic Management (ATM). The benefits to be derived from employing these new capabilities onboard aircraft will be remarkable in terms of improving the safety, efficiency and environmental performance levels of the ATM system. It must also be recognized, however, that the consequences of an uncoordinated or an incomplete implementation of the new provisions could increase burdens on users-especially airlines.