Hello,I have a couple questions about NAT routing as formatted in ICAO fp's. I've noticed that there are a few different ways that they are reported, one of which is like a bookend: e.g., .... entry point NATB lat/lon lat/lon lat/lon lat/lon NATB exit point.... or: entry point NATB lat/lon (etc) exit point.... or: entry point NATC LOACH NATC exit point (then the lat/lon points are provided down in the EET line). Why are there so many varieties and what rule dictates when one type should be used over another? On other occasions, such as the EGCC-MMUN fp provided recently, the route went like this: "...DOGAL DCT 54N020W (lat/lon etc) DCT BALOO..." When a "NAT" identifier is not provided for oceanic trips, such as this latter case, is this because it's not on a specified NAT track system?In the EET section, I take it that the points listed are the estimated time at which the flight flies over those locations, right? Are these also mandatory reporting positions? Are these actual points embedded within the fp, or just positions that the aircraft passes by?On a related topic. Does anyone have an example of a standard PACOT fp? Do such ICAO formatted fp's include the track they are to follow (such as what's seen in the NAT route fp's, where a term like "PAC1" or "PAC8" is inserted in the fp)? I've visited the www.notams.faa.gov site and looked through what they have on PACOT but don't see any description of how the system is used in flight plan paper work, that's why I'm asking to see an actual PACOT fp, if anyone has one.Finally, is there a website that describes the PACOT system in fuller detail? What about any books on international flight planning (exciting material for the general public, I'm sure!). Thanks in advance for any help you can provide in expanding my education about international flight planning!!!Cheers,DalatKEUG

Hi Dalat,I'm not an expert on Atlantic Tracks, but I'll try to give an answer to your questions. :)> I've noticed that there are a few different ways that they are> reported, one of which is like a bookend: e.g., .... entry point> NATB lat/lon lat/lon lat/lon lat/lon NATB exit point.... or: entry> point NATB lat/lon (etc) exit point.... or: entry point NATC LOACH> NATC exit point (then the lat/lon points are provided down in the> EET line). Why are there so many varieties and what rule dictates> when one type should be used over another? As far as I know, you may use all of these 'varieties' whenever you like. The only requirement for using a NAT-identifier (e.g. NATB) is that you're flying over a NAT (logical? :()...> On other occasions, such as the EGCC-MMUN fp provided recently,> the route went like this: "...DOGAL DCT 54N020W (lat/lon etc) DCT> BALOO..." When a "NAT" identifier is not provided for oceanic> trips, such as this latter case, is this because it's not on a > specified NAT track system?Yes, that's correct.> In the EET section, I take it that the points listed are the> estimated time at which the flight flies over those locations, > right? Correct, it's the estimated time at a specific point in UTC.> Are these also mandatory reporting positions?Not sure about this one, but I think the Oceanic waypoints are...> Are these actual points embedded within the fp, or just positions> that the aircraft passes by?Points embedded within the flightplan.> On a related topic. Does anyone have an example of a standard> PACOT fp?KSFO-RJAA as filed for a Boeing 744 (on the Pacific Tracks):MOLEN3 MOLEN DCT AMAKR DCT GUTTS DCT GENCO DCT GAVEL DCT 46N140W 49N150W 52N160W 54N170W DCT CURVS G215 SYA R591 ADNIP OTR5 PABBA OTR6 KETAR OTR10 ARIES DCT> Do such ICAO formatted fp's include the track they are to follow> (such as what's seen in the NAT route fp's, where a term> like "PAC1" or "PAC8" is inserted in the fp)? I've visited the> www.notams.faa.gov site and looked through what they have on PACOT > but don't see any description of how the system is used in flight > plan paper work, that's why I'm asking to see an actual PACOT fp, > if anyone has one.As you'll see above, they don't use an identifier for the PACOTs.> Finally, is there a website that describes the PACOT system in > fuller detail? What about any books on international flight > planning (exciting material for the general public, I'm sure!).I've never seen a book/website about the PACOT system, but you might find something in this document: https://164.214.2.62/dafif/dafif_0305_ed6/plan/ap3.pdf> Thanks in advance for any help you can provide in expanding my > education about international flight planning!!!You're welcome!Kind regards,KoenP.S. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. :)

Thanks, Ken! You've been very helpful.Cheers,Dalat

Didn't know if you could access the actual tracks themselves:Try https://www.notams.jcs.mil then click on Pacific Tracks. There you'll get the Pacific Tracks of the day, eastbound and westbound.Cheers :)Woodreau / KMVL

NAT's are plotted for the intense aircraft movements overseas every day... They are plotted to take advantage of the most favorable winds. The entry and exit points, I imagine are used for ATC purposes, as I still dont believe Gander atleast uses radar.