WASHINGTON- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a preemptive notice ahead of next month’s solar eclipse, cautioning that the event could lead to disruptions at airports of all sizes.
A nearly 100-mile corridor across the United States, stretching from Texas to Maine via the Midwest, will experience a rare total eclipse. Airports situated within and around this corridor are expected to see a surge in activity.
Solar Eclipse May Impact Operations
The notice will be effective from April 7 to April 10, aligning with the solar eclipse event scheduled for April 8.
With the anticipated increase in air traffic, pilots are being briefed to expect potential delays and congestion on airport ramps. Moreover, they may encounter challenges in finding available parking spaces for their aircraft along the total eclipse path.
Pilots are strongly advised to coordinate their flight plans well in advance to mitigate any disruptions.
The FAA further noted that pieces of training may need to be postponed during this four-day period.
Additionally, there will be security considerations to address. The FAA mentioned the potential implementation of temporary flight restrictions, two-way radio communications, and discrete transponder requirements around the time of the eclipse.
Many state governments anticipate a surge in tourism during the solar eclipse. With over half of the U.S. population residing within a 12-hour drive from the path of totality, the total solar eclipse is expected to draw millions of people.
Numerous commercial flights have introduced routes along the path of totality, allowing passengers to witness the eclipse from the air.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.