Washington D.C.: This year’s solar eclipse is scheduled for April 8. Flying ahead of the celestial event is subject to a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The US government’s Civil Aviation Department sent out a news release advising pilots to be ready for any delays, reroutes, or schedule adjustments that may occur on any domestic (IFR) flight. The airports that will be impacted by the impending solar eclipse are also noted on the FAA website.
According to the press release, this notice is intended to alert airmen to potential disruptions to air travel and airports within the eclipse path on April 7, 2024, from 1000 UTC, until April 10, 2024, at 0400 UTC. It further stated that all domestic IFR arrivals and departures could result in reroutes, estimated departure clearance waits, or airborne holding, and that traffic management initiatives (TMI) might be used.
NASA reports that several nations, including the US, Mexico, and Canada, will be able to see the Great North American Eclipse, commonly known as the solar eclipse on April 8. Spectators will be treated to a show when the eclipse crosses North America. As a result, increased aviation traffic is anticipated, especially between Texas and New England, as skywatchers get ready to see the unusual occurrence.
At airports along the eclipse’s path, the aviation department warned that there might be more traffic than usual. During times when traffic is at its peak, drivers should expect delays. There might not be as much parking, especially at the smaller, unregulated airports. To lessen any difficulties that might arise during this time, it also advised pilots and airports to plan and exercise caution. For this event, there might be extra security measures in place, such as distinct transponder requirements, two-way radio communications, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
Notably, India won’t be able to see the solar eclipse. Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio will all be able to see it. The eclipse will also be seen in a few isolated areas of Tennessee and Michigan. Next, the eclipse will cross into Canada before heading off the Atlantic coast of North America. Because of a total solar eclipse on April 8, hundreds of schools around the country are scheduled to close.
