Oceanic and North Atlantic Flying: A Learning Path

The North Atlantic is crossed by a large volume of traffic every day, so it has its own tracks, requirements and procedures. Follow these steps in order.

Step by step

1. The North Atlantic Organised Track System (NAT OTS) Explained: what the tracks are and how they are built
2. The NAT Track Message and TMI Number Explained: what the message contains and what the TMI means
3. NAT TMI calculator: get the day-of-year number for a date
4. NAT High Level Airspace (HLA) Requirements Explained: the approvals and equipment needed to enter
5. Oceanic Clearance on the North Atlantic: How It Works: how to obtain and read back a clearance
6. NAT Contingency Procedures and SLOP Explained: what to do when a clearance cannot be obtained, and how offsets work
7. EDTO learning path: ocean crossings by twin-engine aeroplanes also involve diversion planning

Procedures in the region change from time to time. Always use the current North Atlantic Operations and Airspace Manual (NAT Doc 007) and the State AIPs. Information checked October 2026.