FAA Retires Old Nav Stations, Tweaks Eastern Sky Routes
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA plans to update several VOR airways in the eastern U.S. because three key navigation stations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee are being shut down. This change helps modernize air travel by supporting the FAA’s plan to keep only the most essential VOR stations. Pilots and airlines should note these updates and send comments by April 20, 2026; no extra costs are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Major VOR Airway Changes
If you fly or operate aircraft in the eastern U.S., the FAA proposes to amend 14 VOR Federal Airways (V-16, V-35, V-37, V-53, V-133, V-136, V-143, V-259, V-310, V-364, V-409, V-415, V-454, and V-605) because three VOR navigation stations (Charlotte CLT, Foothills ODF, and Holston Mountain HMV) are planned for decommissioning in December 2026. The proposal shortens, creates gaps in, or redesigns those airways and notes IFR pilots can use adjacent VOR airways, ATC radar vectors, or RNAV routes (T-202, T-203, T-206, T-215, T-224, T-258, T-398, T-414, T-423, T-424, T-426, T-437, and T-484); the FAA says no extra costs are expected. Comments on the proposal are due by April 20, 2026.
Small Businesses Not Significantly Impacted
The FAA certified that this proposed amendment will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and that the anticipated impact is minimal under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency states no regulatory evaluation is warranted because the expected effects are routine and minimal.
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