The FAA issued a warning against air travel on the Eclipse on Monday, April 8, alerting both pilots and passengers that unusual conditions may occur during the day that could impact flights around the continental United States. warned.
In a warning to pilots, the FAA said, “The purpose of this notice is to ensure that air traffic along the eclipse path is and to inform airmen of the potential impact on the airport.” UTC. “
As a warning to passengers, the FAA is advising everyone to be patient and be aware of potential delays caused by the eclipse. “While most travelers are heading to their favorite vacation destinations, a significant number of travelers are heading to various states to witness the 'Great North American Solar Eclipse' on Monday, April 8th. ” the FAA said in a press release. “Travelers flying along the eclipse's path may experience limited parking or delays at airports due to the large number of aircraft and drones attempting to witness the total eclipse.”
The FAA believes spring break travel peaked at 50,670 flights on April 4 and 48,904 flights on April 5. Beyond typical spring break travel, the FAA said people are likely traveling or have traveled to the 15 states where the total solar eclipse will occur. Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and parts of Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee. In these areas, a “total path” occurs, where the moon completely blocks the sun and day turns to night for a few minutes.
The FAA is asking travelers to be patient, allow extra time at the airport, and pack safely.
Meanwhile, the FAA is asking pilots to be especially patient and safe. “Aircraft should be prepared for air holds, reroutes, and/or estimated departure clearance times (EDCTs) that may be issued for all domestic IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) arrivals and departures. Traffic Management Initiative (TMI): To assist FBOs (Fixed-Based Operators) in staging aircraft and to alleviate ramp congestion, aircraft departing the airport along the eclipse path will have their departure time adjusted as early as possible. Adjustments are strongly recommended,” the FAA said in a written statement.
The FAA further states, “Airports along the path of the eclipse may expect higher than normal traffic. Delays during peak traffic periods should be expected, especially for small and managed airports. Parking may be limited at airports that are not eclipsed. There may be delays in issuance of IFR exit permits. For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) departures, 50 nautical miles on either side of the eclipse path. Airborne pickup of IFR permits within the region is also expected to be delayed.
Pilots may also be prevented from performing some maneuvers around the eclipse. “During this period, practice approaches, touch-and-gos, flight following services and pilot training operations at airports in the path of the eclipse will be highly restricted and likely prohibited. You should carefully review NOTAM for procedures/restrictions.” installed at affected airports. Certain NOTAM procedures may be revised and arrivals at some airports may be restricted, so please check NOTAM frequently to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. “Please,” he FAA warns pilots.
