2024 New England/New York Total Solar Eclipse

A Total Solar Eclipse will cross North America on Monday April 8, 2024.  The path will impact Boston ARTCC from approximately 2:07 pm – 5:42 pm EDST (1807 – 2142 UTC).  This notice is to inform pilots of the likely significant impacts to air traffic and airports near the eclipse path.

• Flight following services, practice approaches, touch-and-goes, and some pilot training operations at airports, and in the airspace, along the path of the eclipse will be limited and possibly prohibited during this time.
• Due to higher-than-normal anticipated traffic volume at area airports before and after the eclipse, pilots should anticipate delays. 
• Parking may be limited – including at smaller, uncontrolled airports. 
• When filing IFR, it will be advantageous to file an applicable preferred route listed in the FAA Flight Information Publication Chart Supplement. Preferred IFR routes are designed to serve the needs of airspace users and to provide for a systematic flow of air traffic in all stages of flight. Following these routes will minimize the need for ATC changes or delays and will result in more efficient management of air traffic.  If a flight is planned to or from an area having such routes but the departure or arrival point is not listed in the Chart Supplement U.S., pilots may use that part of a Preferred IFR Route which is appropriate for the departure or arrival point that is listed.
• VFR departures can expect significant delays for airborne pickup of IFR clearance within 50 NM either side of the path of the eclipse.
• Pilots must check NOTAMs carefully for special procedures/restrictions that may be in place at affected airports.  Specific previously NOTAM’d procedures may be revised, and arrivals to some airports possibly restricted. Please review frequently to verify you have the current information.

?For information on the Eclipse follow this link to NASA:
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/

For additional information, or for questions about air traffic please contact:
Mike Ratta – 603-879-6912