The FAA has released a Domestic Notice providing pertinent information on the 2024 total solar eclipse for pilots flying during the April 8, 2024, event.
“On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse, known as the Great North American Eclipse will transit a narrow path of totality from southwest to northeast across 13 U.S. states,” the notice begins. “The eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipse path will impact the United States from approximately 1830-1940 UTC.”
Pilots should be prepared for potential airborne holding, reroutes, and/or Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) that may be issued for all domestic IFR arrivals and departures, the notice states. Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) are possible.
“To assist FBOs with staging aircraft and to ease ramp congestion, aircraft departing airports along the eclipse path are strongly encouraged to coordinate their departure times as early as possible,” it continues.
“There may be a higher traffic volume than normal anticipated at airports along the path of the eclipse. Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods. Parking may be limited, particularly at the smaller, uncontrolled airports.”
There could be a delay with issuance of IFR departure clearances. VFR departures may also expect delays for airborne pickup of IFR clearance within 50 nm either side of the path of the eclipse, according to FAA officials.
“Practice approaches, touch-and-goes, flight following services and pilot training operations at airports in the path of the eclipse may be extremely limited and possibly prohibited during this time period,” it adds.
Pilots should check NOTAMs for special procedures or restrictions that may be in place at airports along the eclipse’s path.
“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,” the notice says.
The online notice also includes a list of every airport impacted by the eclipse. You can see the entire notice here.