Flight Planning
FAA system that processes IFR flight plans goes down
The FAA’s computer system in Atlanta that processes IFR flight plans went down about 2 p.m. on Aug. 26.
The FAA was successful in getting the system back online, but it caused system-wide gridlock, which grounded airline and general aviation flights or caused delays. It could take hours for service to return to normal.
This outage does not impact VFR flight plans.
The FAA has experienced several of these outages this year.
In the meantime, the FAA recommends that pilots file their IFR flight plans with DUAT and flight service.
Then, when you are ready to depart, call for your clearance. The FAA has told AOPA that ATC has been instructed to file the IFR flight plans via the appropriate air-to-ground frequency or clearance delivery line.
August 26, 2008
