FAA to Snip Jet Route Over Unreliable New Mexico Signals
Published Date: 2/6/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to remove a part of Jet Route J-96 near Cimarron, New Mexico, because the navigation signals there have been unreliable since 2020. This change mainly affects pilots flying through that area, making their routes safer and clearer. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until March 24, 2025, to share them—no costs or delays expected!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Removal of J-96 segment near Cimarron
If you fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) through the Cimarron, NM to Garden City, KS area, the FAA proposes to remove the J‑96 jet route segment because the Cimarron VORTAC radials between 045° and 055° magnetic have been unusable since 2020. IFR pilots can use adjacent jet routes J‑18 and J‑110, request air traffic control radar vectors, or, if RNAV-equipped, navigate point‑to‑point using existing fixes; the FAA attempted repairs as recently as August 2024 and estimated $3,000,000 to dopplerize the VOR. Comments are due March 24, 2025, and the FAA states it expects no costs or delays to users from this change.
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Key Dates
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