Coded Departure Route (CDR) Procedures

• CDRs are meant to reduce workload between various ATC facilities. They are also meant to reduce frequency congestion by minimizing read-back time between ATC and pilots when alternate route clearances are needed due to weather conditions.
• Each CDR is assigned an eight-character code to represent a predefined route between specific city pairs.
• A city pair may have more than one CDR.
• There are roughly 15,000 CDRs in effect at the present time.
• If a CDR exists between your departure and arrival airport on FltPlan.com, you will see a button at the bottom of the Nearby Routes display on the Flight Plan Data Entry Page.
• There is also a button on the our Main Page which will allow you to enter city pairs and check for any existing CDRs.

Information on CDR Routes

• Request a full route clearance if there is any doubt of understanding the abbreviated clearance.
• Tell the controller you are unable to accept a CDR if the aircraft is not properly equipped or capable of flying the issued CDR. For example, some CDRs may require HF communication or Area Navigation capability.
• You must have on board the aircraft all current CDRs for the specific city pair you are expecting to fly.
• Put the phrase 'CDR CAPABLE' in the remarks section of your flight plan. You may still receive a reroute if ATC deems it necessary but no abbreviated clearance” will be issued.
• Some CDRs add hundreds of miles to your expected/normal route between city pairs. Special consideration MUST be given to fuel requirements and IFR fuel reserves.
• The flight crew is responsible for maintaining a current database of CDRs

Contact Information

Any questions pertaining to the use of CDR procedures may be directed to:

NY TRACON - Tom White – thoma.s.white@faa.gov – (516-683-2980)

NY CENTER – Bob Ocon – robert.ocon@faa.gov – (631-468-1015)