A total solar eclipse is seen on Monday, August 21, 2017, from onboard a NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s Gulfstream III 25,000 feet above the Oregon coast. [Courtesy: NASA/Carla Thomas]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA has issued comprehensive advisories for pilots operating during the April 8 total solar eclipse, warning of significantly increased air traffic workload, potential airport closures, air traffic delays, and severe restrictions on flight operations and parking within the path of totality. Pilots are urged to plan routes, check NOTAMs and TFRs frequently, and be aware that reservations may be required at some airports.
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will traverse the U.S. from Texas to Maine, and for all viewers, it is paramount to use special eclipse glasses to prevent permanent eye damage.
Viewers are encouraged to fully experience the approximately three-minute totality, described as an emotional event, and to leave photography to professionals, with live broadcasts available from organizations like the Exploratorium for those outside the direct path.
On April 8, millions in the U.S. will be watching the total solar eclipse—and many may be doing it from an aircraft cockpit.
If you are one of those, the FAA is asking pilots to plan ahead and file a preferred IFR route as the safety agency expects there will be increased workload in the path of the eclipse.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
