Alaska Loses Three Sky Highways: Old Beacons Go Dark Forever
Published Date: 1/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA plans to cancel three air routes in Alaska—Green 6 (G-6) and two VOR routes, V-459 and V-496—because some old radio beacons they rely on are shutting down. This change mainly affects pilots flying in Alaska, but it won’t cost anyone extra. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until March 17, 2025, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Three Alaska Airways Revoked
The FAA is proposing to revoke three Alaska air routes—Colored Federal Airway G-6 and Alaskan VOR Federal Airways V-459 and V-496—because the St. Marys, AK, and Aniak, AK, nondirectional radio beacons (NDBs) that they rely on are being decommissioned. This proposal mainly affects pilots who fly in Alaska and is open for comment through March 17, 2025.
RNAV Routes Provide Alternatives
The FAA says RNAV Route T-380 overlays the entire routing of G-6 and is near V-459, and RNAV Route T-382 overlays the entire routing of V-496, providing alternative navigation paths after the St. Marys and Aniak NDBs are decommissioned. Pilots operating in the affected areas can use these RNAV routes as mitigation.
FAA Finds Minimal Small-Business Impact
The FAA determined this proposed revocation is a routine, technical amendment with minimal anticipated impact and certified it will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA also says the proposal is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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