US aviation agency issues travel warning ahead of rare astronomical event

As the solar eclipse, also known as solar eclipse, is scheduled to occur on April 8, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning against flying ahead of this astronomical event. In a press note, the US government’s Civil Aviation Agency advised that aircraft should be prepared for possible delays, diversions, and departure schedule changes for all domestic (instrument flight rules) IFR flights. The FAA website also lists airports in the path of the upcoming solar eclipse that will be affected.

The press note reads, “The purpose of this notice is to inform airmen about potential impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path during the period from April 7, 2024, 1000 UTC to April 10, 2024, 0400 UTC ”

It states, “Aircraft must be prepared for possible airborne holding, reroute and/or Expected Departure Clearance Times (EDCT) that may be issued for all domestic IFR arrivals and departures. Traffic Management Initiative (TMI) possible.”

According to NASA, the April 8 solar eclipse, also known as the “Great North American Eclipse”, will be visible in several countries, including the United States, Mexico and Canada. The eclipse will cross North America, creating a spectacle for observers. As a result, air traffic is expected to be heavy, especially between Texas and New England, as skygazers prepare to view the rare phenomenon, the FAA said.

The aviation agency said, “Airports in the path of the eclipse may experience higher traffic volumes than usual. Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods. Parking may be limited – especially at smaller, uncrowded airports.” But.”

Read this also What do scientists hope to learn from the total solar eclipse in the US?

Additionally, the agency recommended early planning and vigilance for both pilots and airports to mitigate potential challenges during this period. “Special security provisions may be in effect for this event, including, but not limited to, temporary flight restrictions (TFR), two-way radio communications, and separate transponder requirements,” it said.

It is noteworthy that the solar eclipse will not be visible in India. It will be visible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the eclipse. The eclipse will move toward Canada before exiting North America on the Atlantic coast. Hundreds of schools will be closed across the United States on April 8 due to the total solar eclipse.