Alaska Pilots Lose Ancient Flight Paths as Radios Fade Away
Published Date: 1/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is planning to cancel three Alaska air routes—Green 6, V-459, and V-496—because two key radio beacons are shutting down soon. Pilots flying in Alaska will need to adjust their routes, but this won’t affect the same-named route in California. These changes are coming soon and won’t cost anyone extra, just a smoother, updated flight path.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Revocation of Three Alaska Airways
The FAA proposes to revoke Colored Federal Airway Green 6 (G-6) and Alaskan VOR Federal Airways V-459 and V-496 in Alaska because the St. Marys, AK, and Aniak, AK, nondirectional radio beacons (NDBs) are being decommissioned. Pilots who fly in Alaska will need to adjust their routes; the proposal does not affect the V-459 airway in California. The agency states these changes will not cost anyone extra and are intended to provide smoother, updated flight paths.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-11875 — Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; NetJets Aviation, Inc.
NetJets Aviation, a big private jet company, asked the FAA to let them skip some usual flight rules. This could change how they operate their planes, and the public has until July 2, 2026, to share their thoughts. No money changes are mentioned yet, but this could speed up or simplify some flights for NetJets.
2026-11861 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Freer, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Silverhorn Ranch Airport in Freer, TX, to support safer flying with new instrument flight rules. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying in and out of this airport. No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11904 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Mullin, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Smoky Bend Ranch Airport in Mullin, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11792 — Modification of Class E Airspace, Omak Airport, Omak, WA
The FAA is changing the Class E airspace around Omak Airport in Washington to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments. This update starts on September 3, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just better airspace management to keep flights on track!
2026-11730 — Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting June 11, 2026, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and safety rules based on new tech and obstacles. No big costs here—just smarter, safer skies for everyone flying under instrument rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-01728 — Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Engines
The FAA wants to make sure certain GE jet engines stay safe by replacing some turbine disks that might have tiny metal flaws. This affects specific CF6-80E1 models and means airlines will need to swap out these parts soon to keep flying safely. The change helps prevent engine problems and keeps everyone on board worry-free.
Next: 2025-01949 — Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
If you fly a Robinson R44 or R44 II helicopter, this new rule update keeps all the old safety checks but makes the alternative inspections clearer and adds a new paint remover option. You’ll still need to inspect certain parts regularly and fix any problems fast to keep flying safe. These changes help pilots avoid trouble and keep helicopters in top shape without extra costs or delays.