DVFR Flight Plans

AIM ¶ 5-1-8 — DVFR Flight Plans

AIM 5-1-8 explains Defense VFR (DVFR) flight plan requirements for VFR flights entering an ADIZ. Filing, forms, and NORIV remarks for pilot students.

In Plain English

When you fly VFR into an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), you're required to file a Defense VFR (DVFR) flight plan for national security purposes. This requirement applies to civilian flights — DoD and law enforcement aircraft are exempt. The underlying regulation is 14 CFR Part 99, so unlike most AIM material, this isn't just a recommendation.

Key filing requirements:

File using FAA Form 7233-4 or DD Form 1801.
Enter the letter "D" in Item 8 (Type of Flight) to designate it as DVFR.
The DVFR flight plan must be activated so NORAD is properly notified of your penetration of the ADIZ.

If you choose to decline search and rescue coverage, indicate "NORIV" in Item 18 following the "RMK/" indicator (e.g., RMK/NORIV). In that case, you still must activate the flight plan, but no cancellation will be expected.

Operationally, this matters because failing to file or activate a DVFR plan when entering an ADIZ can trigger interception procedures by air defense assets — a situation no pilot wants to face.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-1-8

5-1-8. 5-1-8. Flight Plan – Defense VFR (DVFR) Flights 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. REFERENCE- 14 CFR part 99, Security Control for Air Traffic. 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. EXAMPLE- RMK/NORIV

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1When is a DVFR flight plan required, and who is exempt?

Per AIM 5-1-8, VFR flights entering an ADIZ are required to file a DVFR flight plan for security purposes. DoD and law enforcement flights are exempt from this requirement. The regulatory basis is 14 CFR Part 99.

Q2How do you designate a flight plan as DVFR on the form?

Per AIM 5-1-8, DVFR flight plans must be filed using FAA Form 7233-4 or DD Form 1801, and the pilot enters the letter "D" in Item 8 (Type of Flight) to indicate it is a DVFR flight.

Q3What does "NORIV" mean on a DVFR flight plan, and what are your obligations if you use it?

Per AIM 5-1-8, "NORIV" is entered in Item 18 following "RMK/" to indicate the pilot declines search and rescue coverage. The flight plan must still be activated to notify NORAD, but no flight plan cancellation will be expected.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-1-1

Preflight Preparation

¶ 5-1-10

IFR High Altitude Destinations

¶ 5-1-11

International Flight Operations

¶ 5-1-12

Flight Plan Changes

¶ 5-1-13

Departure Time Changes

¶ 5-1-14