AIM Text
VFR flights (except for DoD and law enforcement flights) into an ADIZ are required to file DVFR flight plans for security purposes. Detailed ADIZ procedures are found in Section 6, National Security and Interception Procedures, of this chapter.
- DVFR flight plans must be filed using FAA Form 7233-4 or DD Form 1801.
- Enter the letter “D” in Item 8, Type of Flight, of FAA Form 7233-4 or DD Form 1801.
- DVFR flights where pilots decline search and rescue coverage must clearly indicate “NORIV” in Item 18 following the indicator “RMK/.” This flight plan must still be activated in order to properly notify NORAD, however no flight plan cancellation will be expected.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-1-8.
Research Notes
AIM 5-1-8 covers Departure Procedures and Routes — the standardized departure routes used to expedite IFR departures from busy airports.
SID (Standard Instrument Departure): A pre-coordinated departure route that ATC issues by name. SIDs include specific waypoints, altitudes, climb gradients, and routing that ATC has pre-approved for that airport's traffic flow.
RNAV SIDs: Modern SIDs based on RNAV (GPS) waypoints. Require RNAV equipment certification. More precise departure tracking than conventional VOR-based SIDs.
DP (Obstacle Departure Procedure): Published procedure that provides obstacle clearance from the airport. May or may not include ATC routing. Used when the IFR clearance is "climb runway heading" or similar non-specific instruction — the DP gives obstacle protection.
How to verify which to use: The IFR clearance from ATC will specify the SID by name (e.g., "FREJON THREE departure") or will issue a vector/heading instruction (using the DP for obstacle clearance).
Loading and briefing: Before pushback, load the SID into the GPS/FMS, verify it matches the chart, brief the departure (route, altitudes, climb gradient), and confirm the runway transition.
Reference: § 91.175; AIM 5-2 (Departure Procedures); AIM 5-1-8; AC 90-100B (RNAV).