Policies and Positions
Flight plan required
A flight plan for flights into international and foreign airspace must be submitted to and received by air traffic control facilities at least one hour before entering the ATC region.
Advance notice
The flight plan provides advance notice of foreign airspace penetration. (For some foreign states, the flight plan is the only advance notice required; for others, it checks against previously granted permission to enter national airspace.)
Before departure
Leave a complete itinerary and time schedule of the flight with others directly concerned, keep them advised of the flight’s progress, and instruct them to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if there is any doubt as to the safety of the flight.
Filing outside the United States
In a foreign country, inquire how to transmit flight plan information to pertinent en route and destination points.
International flight plan form
FAA Form 7233-4 is available at most U.S. FSSs, from AOPA's Pilot Information Center, and for members at AOPA online.
