Total solar eclipse prompts FAA to issue advisory for aircraft, airmen

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The total solar eclipse is nearing, so the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is offering guidance to commercial planes and private aircraft ahead of the phenomenon.

The “Great North American Eclipse” will occur on April 8. During this cosmic event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun and travel “a narrow path of totality from southwest to northeast across thirteen U.S. states,” the government agency said.

For many passengers, the impact should be limited to the types of delays associated with high-travel days.

“Due to the high volume of traffic along the eclipse path, (airport) arrivals can expect lengthy delays during peak traffic periods,” the FAA said.

The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and cross North America, passing over Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, according to the FAA. The eclipse’s path will affect the U.S. from 2:30 p.m. EST to 3:40 p.m. EST, the agency said.

Airports in Texas, Vermont, Maine, Canada, New Hampshire, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri will be primarily affected by the eclipse, the FAA said.

“The purpose of this notice is to inform airmen of the possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path during the period April 7, 2024, (6 a.m. EST) through April 10, 2024, (midnight EST),” the FAA said.

What the FAA is saying about aircraft ahead of the eclipse

In preparation for the eclipse, aircraft should be ready for potential airborne holding (circling in the air to delay landing), rerouting and FAA-indicated take-off times for all domestic arrivals and departures that abide by instrument flight rules, according to the agency.

Traffic management initiatives, including alternative routing, parking guidance strategies and the slowing down and speeding up of air traffic could be implemented during the total eclipse, according to the FAA.

“There may be a higher traffic volume than normal anticipated at airports along the path of the eclipse,” the government agency said. “Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods.”

Parking for aircraft could be limited, particularly at the smaller and uncontrolled airports, the FAA said. Departures could be a challenge for certain aircraft depending on their level of clearance, the agency said.

Pilots could find some restrictions at airports on April 8, FAA says

Pilot training operations at airports will be “extremely limited” and “possibly prohibited” as the eclipse passes, according to the FAA.

Pilots are advised to “carefully” check the Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), a notice to help prepare for changes in procedure and service and against hazards, the FAA said.

“Specific NOTAM procedures may be revised, and arrivals to some airports possibly restricted so please review NOTAMs frequently to verify you have the current information,” according to the agency.

Special security provisions may be in effect during the eclipse, including temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), two-way radio communications and discrete transponder requirements, the FAA said.

TFRs are normally announced through NOTAM about three to five days before the event, the agency said.

Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com