All aircraft entering U.S. domestic airspace from points outside must provide identification prior to entry. Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) have been established to assist in the identification of aircraft in the vicinity of international U.S. airspace boundaries. Prior to crossing an ADIZ, all aircraft must file, activate, and close a Defense VFR (DVFR) flight plan. There is no ADIZ between the U.S. and Canada.
To file a DVFR flight plan in ForeFlight:
STEP 1. Plan a VFR flight with a destination within the U.S. that crosses the ADIZ.
STEP 2. Select flight rule DVFR on the Flight form.
STEP 3. Select Proceed to File.
STEP 4. Verify the information in the Filing Form.
STEP 5. Select File.
STEP 6. Prior to departure, Activate the flight plan.
You will be able to see the EET to the ADIZ (or Flight information region) by clicking on the navlog.
When filing a DVFR flight plan, ForeFlight transmits the flight plan to the appropriate Flight Service Station (FSS is operated by Leidos). 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.
In addition to normal ADIZ position reports, and any other reports Air Traffic Control may require, a foreign civil aircraft must give a position report at least one hour before ADIZ penetration, if it is not more than two hours average cruising speed from the U.S.
Pilots on DVFR flight plans should be prepared to give position reports as per CFR14 ยง99.15. Pilots are encouraged to plan their VFR flights with a waypoint near the ADIZ so that the ADIZ penetration point is easily determined.
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