As a result of changes to the online reservation system, STMP has become more equitable than ever. However, improvements can always be made. Starting in December 2006, the FAA will require users to confirm a randomly generated word when making a reservation. Also, beginning November 1, 2006, the confirmation time will be between 12 and 24 hours before a slot time. Previously it was between 8 and 24.
As both commercial and general aviation traffic continue to grow, the need to control and separate traffic flows becomes a greater issue. This is especially true during special events where peak demand is expected to exceed airport capacity. To manage this traffic, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed Special Traffic Management Procedures, or STMP. STMPs are issued by Notice to Airmen (notam) for events ranging from the Super Bowl and AOPA's annual fly-in, to college football games and Colorado ski season. STMPs typically require all pilots arriving under instrument flight rules (IFR) to have an arrival reservation during the effective times detailed in the notam.
With STMP in place at an increasing number of events attended by general aviation pilots, it is vitally important that all users have equal access to the National Airspace System (NAS). Without professional dispatchers or dedicated employees to obtain reservations, it can be difficult for general aviation pilots to obtain a "slot." Learning how to effectively use the system is key to gaining equal access.
While the STMP process has been around for a number of years, equal access to the available slot reservations has become increasingly more controversial. As a result of input from AOPA and other users, the FAA recognized the need to revamp the process for obtaining a reservation in order to better accommodate all users participating in STMP. Due to more sophisticated electronic capabilities and the use of full-time dispatch staff, certain users have been able to acquire the majority of slots available during a STMP. As a result, general aviation access to airports operating under the STMP has been severely restricted and often shut out of the process completely. The recent changes to the STMP process will hopefully alleviate this situation and once again allow general aviation access to these high-traffic-demand locations.
AOPA was a key stakeholder in the FAA's recent revision of the STMP process. AOPA advocated for the FAA to change the process in order to ensure all users, including general aviation, have equal access to the slots available through the STMP system. While recent changes have been effective for the general aviation user, AOPA believes more changes can be made to achieve better access to the National Airspace System for all users.
If you are planning to fly into an event where higher than normal traffic flow is expected, it is best to check notams and the STMP Web site far in advance. Because reservation slots are released beginning 72 hours prior to departure time, chances are the slots will be taken if you wait until after filing a flight plan to make a reservation. To see if a STMP will be in place, and to reserve a slot, visit www.fly.faa.gov/estmp/.
If a STMP is in place, only IFR arrivals and departures are required to make a reservation. The number of available reservations is based on a formula calculated by the FAA. When all the reservations are taken, the system will alert you immediately and no longer accept requests. Reservations are usually accepted starting 72 hours before the corresponding event. For example, if reservations are required for an airport between 0900 and 1800 on Tuesday, available slot reservations can be obtained starting at 0900 on the previous Saturday.
To make a reservation, simply go to the STMP Web site and log in using your information. If you haven't previously registered or used the system for over a year, the system will require you to fill out a registration. Doing so is easy and only requires some basic information. After logging in, follow the prompts to submit the necessary information required to obtain a reservation. Make sure to double-check dates and times, as a different slot time may be unavailable in the future. Once you have acquired your slot, make sure to write down the random reservation number given to you by the system. You'll need it to confirm the reservation. Also, beginning in December 2006, the STMP reservation process will require that users confirm a randomly generated word for security purposes. This system is used in many other commercial applications, such as Ticketmaster, and further ensures that automated computer programs cannot gain access to the system.
Confirming your reservation is now a required step in the reservation process. Because some users were taking multiple slots that went unused, AOPA advocated for a confirmation process. Between 24 and 12 hours before your scheduled time of arrival (slot reservation time) at your destination, you must log back in to the STMP Web site and confirm the reservation, with the exception of reservations made within 24 hours of the event, which do not require confirmation When you do so, the system will give you an automatically generated confirmation code. Make sure you write this down. ATC will require it when you file a flight plan, and they may ask for it in flight. If you don't confirm your reservation, the system automatically assumes you no longer need the slot and makes it available for other users. The good news for pilots is that this process may free up some last-minute slots that have routinely gone unused. If you don't get a reservation the first time, consider trying again 12 hours before the event.
When you file your IFR flight plan, confirm your status with air traffic control by putting the slot confirmation number in the remarks section of your flight plan. Though not required, it will likely save you time and confusion once airborne. Be sure you have the confirmation number accessible during flight in case the controller asks for it.