All aircraft entering U.S. domestic airspace from outside must provide identification prior to entry. Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) have been established to assist in identifying aircraft near U.S. international airspace boundaries. Before crossing an ADIZ, all aircraft must file, activate, and close a Defense VFR (DVFR) flight plan. Of note, there is no ADIZ between the U.S. and Canada.
How to File a DVFR Flight Plan in ForeFlight:
To file a DVFR flight plan in ForeFlight:
- Plan a VFR flight with a destination within the U.S. that crosses the ADIZ.
- Select flight rule DVFR on the Flight form.
- Select Proceed to File.
- Verify the information in the Filing Form.
- Select File.
- Prior to departure, Activate the flight plan.
To view the estimated entry time (EET) for the ADIZ or flight information region (FIR), click on the NavLog.
DVFR Flight Plan Handling
When filing a DVFR flight plan, ForeFlight transmits the flight plan to the appropriate Flight Service Station. Flight service evaluates the flight plan and submits the required information (including ADIZ penetration time and location) to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The estimated time of ADIZ penetration must be filed at least 15 minutes before penetration, except for flights in the Alaskan ADIZ, in which case, report prior to penetration. Additionally, VFR pilots must receive and transmit a discrete transponder code prior to penetrating the ADIZ.
When a DVFR flight plan is filed, ForeFlight transmits it to the appropriate Flight Service Station (FSS). The flight service evaluates the plan and submits necessary information—such as ADIZ penetration time and location—to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). Before crossing an ADIZ:
- The estimated time of ADIZ penetration must be filed at least 15 minutes before penetration.
- For flights in the Alaskan ADIZ, this report must be made before penetration.
- VFR pilots must receive and transmit a discrete transponder code before entering the ADIZ.
DVFR Position Reports
Foreign civil aircraft must submit a position report at least one hour before ADIZ penetration if within two hours of average cruising speed from the U.S. Pilots on DVFR flight plans should be ready to provide position reports in accordance with CFR14 §99.15.
To facilitate reporting, pilots are encouraged to plan VFR flights with a waypoint near the ADIZ, ensuring the ADIZ penetration point is easy to determine.
Related Regulations:
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