Some flights can give you a good view of eclipse

Q: On the day of the eclipse, how much leeway will a captain have to give passengers a good view of the eclipse while in the air?

A: A captain always has the final decision regarding the route of flight and how the airplane is being flown. Air-traffic control is responsible for ensuring proper separation between airplanes on instrument flight plans. This can cause issues when airspace is crowded and airways are heavily used (like freeways during rush hour).

Usually pilots will follow their filed flight plan routing (with airtraffic control approval). Business aviation or private pilots may request special routing to view the eclipse from cruising altitude, and if air-traffic control can accommodate the request, they will.

Some airlines are operating special flights specifically to view the eclipse; those flights will be routed to provide the best viewing possible but will compete with business aircraft for prime routing and altitudes.

Q: How flexible are flight plans?

A: Pilots can request changes to their flight plan. If proper separation can be maintained, airtraffic control will approve the requested change.

Q: Are there any safety concerns?

A: No, there is no difference between flying during an eclipse and a normal flight. During the period of totality the visibility is decreased, like flying at night, but it is a brief period.

Q: Do pilots and passengers need special eyewear?

A: Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage. Only using special glasses designed and tested for sun viewing will ensure eye safety. Normal sunglasses do not have the proper protection for direct solar viewing.

I flew during a partial eclipse in the mid-1980s while flying over the North Atlantic. We could see the reflection of the sun in our windshield, making it safe to watch the event.

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