FAA plots fresh sky highways from AZ to Texas thunderstorms
Published Date: 1/30/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is creating two new satellite-based flight paths, Q-162 and Q-166, to help planes fly safely between southwest Arizona and western Texas, especially during bad spring and summer weather. These new routes make flying smoother and support the shift from old ground-based navigation to modern satellite tech. The changes kick in on April 17, 2025, with no extra costs for airlines or travelers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New RNAV Routes for Southwest Flights
If you fly to, from, or over southwest Arizona, central New Mexico, or western Texas, the FAA is creating two new satellite-based routes, Q-162 and Q-166, that take effect on April 17, 2025. These routes provide alternative high-altitude paths between the Flagstaff/Wellton, AZ areas and western Texas when severe spring and summer weather affects the usual enroute structure.
No Added Costs for Airlines or Travelers
The FAA states these route changes will not impose extra costs on airlines or air travelers, and the rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA determined the anticipated economic impact is minimal and certified no significant economic effect under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Supports Satellite Navigation Transition
The new Q-162 and Q-166 routes expand RNAV routing to support transitioning the National Airspace System from ground-based navigation to satellite-based navigation. This action explicitly increases the availability of RNAV routing in that region.
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