For Gander, the departure clearance will be the oceanic clearance unless it is modified by ATC. The aircraft shall NOT change the route unless ATC clears it for the route change.

Effective July 11, 2026, when a reroute is required, Gander Domestic FIR (CDQX) will resume issuing CPDLC amended route clearances [CLEARED TO (position) VIA (route clearance)] before an aircraft reaches its Oceanic Entry Point (OEP). The route may be issued by Gander Domestic FIR (CDQX), Moncton Domestic FIR (CZQM), or Montreal North Domestic FIR (CZUL).

Gander Oceanic FIR (CZQX) will continue to issue CPDLC amended route clearances once an aircraft is past its Oceanic Entry Point (OEP).

Update to the previous Gander OCR Procedure update.

For Gander, the departure clearance will be the oceanic clearance unless it is modified by ATC. The aircraft shall NOT change the route unless ATC clears it for the route change.

Before an aircraft reaches its Oceanic Entry Point (OEP), Gander (CDQX) FIR Domestic ATC will issue oceanic route clearances and amendments via VHF voice communications instead of CPDLC loadable Route Clearance uplink messaging.

Other OCR procedures, including Oceanic flight planning, RCL submission requirements and timing, and CPDLC route conformance monitoring, will continue unchanged. Route changes issued to aircraft after passing the OEP will continue to be issued via CPDLC or HF communications.

For voice RCL requests or issues with an RCL rejection message, pilots should contact ATC on the assigned (current) control frequency.

Source: AIP Canada Supplement 052/2026

Updated NAT Doc 007 Ver 2026.1 Effective 19 March 2026

NAT Doc 007, North Atlantic Operations and Airspace Manual, has been updated and is effective 19 March 2026. This may be downloaded using the link below to review prior to it becoming effective. The Resource Vault and ICRH External Document Access links will be updated shortly before the 2026 edition becomes effective. The 2025 NAT Doc 007 will be available there until then.

NAT Doc 007 Ver 2026.1

It’s that time of year again—the winter season is right around the corner, and it has been a while since we reviewed winter and cold-weather procedures. It's time to get out the AFM and Operations Manuals and review procedures for the aircraft we fly. International flying adds challenges to be considered.

Be familiar with the types of de-ice and anti-ice fluids acceptable for your aircraft. When planning your trip, take the time to ensure that your destination has acceptable fluids and that the processes used are compatible with your aircraft. Work with your handler to ensure arrangements to include charges for de-icing are set up in a timely manner. Be aware of how de-icing procedures may affect A-CDM timings and update your passengers on any related departure delays.

As another reminder, review when and how to calculate cold temperature altitude corrections.

Finally, take the time to check NOTAMs and other official documents for requirements. For example, Frankfurt Main (EDDF) has a restriction on deactivating Broadband/Microwave functions of  SATCOM systems, such as internet or television. See the included NOTAM. Take the time to be prepared for safe winter operations.

 

Mexico has significantly revised the submission of APIS documentation, as of September 17th. It is now a two-step process that applies to all private and charter flights:

  1. First Submission – Must be made within two hours before departure and applies to both inbound and outbound flights.
  2. Second Submission – Confirmation of passengers on board, which must be sent after the aircraft doors close and before takeoff.

There are three ways to submit:

  1. ARINC Portal – The only authorized vendor for submitting manifests. You must have an account. Advantage: you get an immediate response indicating acceptance, rejection, or errors.
  2. Email – Send a completed Excel spreadsheet to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Strict formatting rules apply, including limits on Excel versions. This method appears limited to 4 trips per year. This is forwarded to ARINC, and you will not receive confirmation of acceptance, rejection, or errors.
  3. Third-Party Service Provider – Several providers can process submissions on your behalf. They will either submit through ARINC with their account or via email as described above.

Important: Submission errors can result in substantial fines. Refer to your service provider and official guidance to ensure compliance with the rules.