Chapter 5. Flight Planning

General

It is extremely unlikely that you will be able to conduct a flight across the Atlantic and remain in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) for the entire flight. Go back and READ THE UNDERLINED SENTENCE AGAIN! VFR flight in this airspace deprives the pilot of the flexibility of using the altitudes above FL055. The higher altitudes may enable a smoother flight, free of precipitation, icing or turbulence.

ICAO flight plans must be filed for flights operating in the North Atlantic Region. At or above FL060, you must file an IFR night plan. Detailed instructions for completion of the ICAO flight plan are found in the ICAO Document 4444, Appendix 2; the AIP Canada RAC 3; and similar publications printed by other States. An example of a completed ICAO Flight Plan can be found in this chapter.

Prospective transoceanic fliers should carefully review the ICAO flight plan instructions as they are quite different from domestic U.S. flight plan formats. International flight service stations can provide assistance in filing an ICAO flight plan.

Generally all eastbound or westbound aircraft in the NAT Region must flight plan so that specified tenth degrees of longitude (60°W, 50°W, 40°W, 30°W, etc.) as applicable, are crossed at whole degrees of latitude. Generally northbound or southbound aircraft must flight plan so that specified parallels of latitude spaced at five degree intervals (65°N,60°N,55°N,50°N, etc.) are crossed at whole degrees of longitude.

Pre-Flight Planning

Plan your flight using current aeronautical charts, the latest edition of pertinent flight supplements, NOTAMs, and particularly International NOTAMs. Familiarize yourself with the nature of the terrain over which the flight is to be conducted. If you are not familiar with the area, consult the aviation authority officials at appropriate local aviation field offices before departure. These officials, as well as local pilots and operators, can provide a great deal of useful advice, especially on the ever-changing supply situation, the location and condition of possible emergency landing strips, potential hazards, and en route weather conditions. Pre-flight planning must ensure the availability of fuel, food, and services you may require at intermediate stops and at your destination.

The majority of military activity takes place in the NAT below MNPSA. Military exercise particulars will be published in a NOTAM/International NOTAM, and should be reviewed during your pre-flight briefing.

Planning your trans-Atlantic flight for the summertime will allow you to take advantage of the most favorable conditions. Not only are the ground (and water) temperatures less menacing, but also the amount of available daylight is considerably greater.

Depth perception is poor at night. North of 60 North Latitude, which includes the most common trans-Atlantic routes flown by general aviation aircraft, there are only about 4 hours of daylight during December. To this is added an additional complication: VFR flights at night are prohibited in Iceland and Greenland. When you combine all this with the increased possibility of storms during the winter you will understand why we recommend that you plan to make your trans-Atlantic flight during the summer months.

Carriage of Arms

A rifle may be carried subject to a valid permit being issued from the appropriate Canadian provincial and territorial authorities to have such weapons aboard. Under NO circumstances will permission be granted for the carriage of small arms or automatic weapons.

Physiological Factors

Crossing the North Atlantic in a general aviation aircraft is a long and physically demanding task. You will want to make some provisions to eat, drink, and take care of all necessary bodily functions (we don't know of any delicate way to discuss this). Desperately needing a restroom, WC, toilet facilities, or whatever you choose to call them has been the foundation for countless comedy routines. But if you suddenly discover you failed to plan for this inevitable need, it won't be funny at the time (although it may be later).

Oceanic Flight Plan Example

NAO Home