IFR Flight Plan Filing Issue w/ VL3 Type Code

[Matt Ricciardi]

We discovered that the VL3 aircraft type designator, although formally approved and listed in JO 7360.1H, has not been loaded into the FAA ATC computer system.  Attempting to file an IFR flight plan with "VL3" in the aircraft type field will result in the flight plan being rejected by the ATC computer.  We alerted the FAA to the issue and are waiting to hear back.

As a hopefully temporarily workaround, you can file "ZZZZ" in the aircraft type field and put "TYP/VL3" in Field 18 ("Other Information").

Filing a VFR flight plan with the VL3 type code works fine.  VFR flight plans are routed to a different Flight Service computer system rather than the main ATC system.  That's also why ATC doesn't know about VFR flight plans and can't easily open/close/update them for you.

[Matt Ricciardi]

Still working this VL3 type code issue with assistance from some friends at a DC-area ATC facility.  No resolution yet.  Meanwhile, for those curious, here's a flight strip for a test flight plan with the "ZZZZ" workaround.  Unfortunately, the strip still shows "ZZZZ" in the aircraft type field rather than the "VL3" code.

[Jim Harris]

Thanks for the update Matt. 

[Matt Ricciardi]

Update:  I'm told the "VL3" type code should be added to the FAA/ATC computer system no later than the June 13th update cycle.  Meanwhile, folks flying IFR can continue to use the "ZZZZ" code  with "TYP/VL3" in Item 18.  Not an issue for VFR flight plans because they're routed through a different system.

[David Galardi]

Awesome news -- should be about the time the initial group of 916's hit the shore in the US.

Thanks for sharing.

David

[Matt Ricciardi]

On 4/17/2024 at 1:23 PM, Matt Ricciardi said:

I'm told the "VL3" type code should be added to the FAA/ATC computer system no later than the June 13th update cycle.

Success!  Flight plans filed with the "VL3" aircraft type code are now being accepted by the FAA computer system.

[Jim Harris]

Great job Matt!