FAA Reroutes Skies After Shutting Down Washington Navigation Beacon
Published Date: 3/6/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating some flight routes in the Northwestern U.S. because a key navigation beacon in Whatcom, WA, is being shut down. This means Jet Route J-534 and Airway V-349 will be removed, Airways V-23 and V-165 will be changed, and a new Canadian RNAV Route T-645 will be created. Pilots flying these routes should get ready for these changes, which help modernize air travel without extra costs to travelers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Revocation of J-534 and V-349
The FAA proposes to revoke Jet Route J-534 and VOR Federal Airway V-349 in the Northwestern United States because the VOR portion of the Whatcom, WA VORTAC is being decommissioned. Pilots who currently fly these routes should prepare for the routes to be removed and plan alternative routing.
Amendment of V-23 (California) and V-165
The FAA proposes amendments to VOR Federal Airways V-23 and V-165; the action affects the V-23 airway located in the state of California and does not change the V-23 in the state of Hawaii. Pilots and operators using V-23 in California or V-165 should expect revised airway definitions.
Establishment of RNAV Route T-645
The FAA proposes to establish Canadian Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-645 in the Northwestern United States. Pilots and operators using RNAV procedures may use the new T-645 routing once it is implemented.
Whatcom VOR Decommissioned under MON
The VOR portion of the Whatcom, WA VORTAC will be decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program, prompting the airway revocations and amendments in the Northwestern United States. The document states these changes help modernize air travel and do not impose extra costs on travelers.
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