Eastern US Airways Tweaked After Roanoke Nav Shutdown
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating some air routes in the eastern U.S. because they're shutting down the Roanoke, VA navigation station. Pilots flying these routes will see changes starting June 12, 2025, but no extra costs for travelers. This update helps keep flights safe and smooth as technology improves.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilots: Route changes take effect June 12, 2025
If you fly the affected VOR federal airways, the FAA amends V-16, V-103, V-375, and V-473 effective 0901 UTC, June 12, 2025. The changes alter where those routes begin and end and remove certain segments because the Roanoke, VA (ROA) VOR/DME is being decommissioned.
No added costs for airline travelers
The FAA states this action will not add costs for travelers and that the anticipated economic impact is so minimal that no regulatory evaluation was prepared. The rule also certifies it does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Specific airway segments removed or revised
The FAA removes specified airway segments that relied on the Roanoke VOR/DME: V-16 segments between Pulaski (PSK) and Lynchburg (LYH); V-103 segments between the Greensboro intersection and Elkins (EKN); V-375 between Roanoke (ROA) and Gordonsville (GVE); and V-473 between Roanoke (ROA) and Montebello (MOL). The amended route descriptions list the new endpoints for each airway.
V-16 now excludes Restricted Area R-5002F when used
The FAA adds that airspace within Restricted Area R-5002F is excluded from V-16 during R-5002F's times of use because it is adjacent to V-16. The amended V-16 description lists R-5002A, R-5002C, R-5002D, and R-5002F as excluded during their times of use.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04393, Establishment of United States Area Navigation Route Q-161 and Amendment of United States Area Navigation Routes Q-97, Q-133, Q-437, Q-439, Q-445, and Q-481; Eastern United States
The FAA is creating a new flight path called Q-161 and updating several others in the eastern U.S. to make flying smoother and more efficient along the busy Atlantic Coast. These changes help pilots and air traffic controllers manage flights better, starting June 12, 2025. No extra costs for travelers, just smarter skies and quicker trips!
Next: 2025-04400, Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-5, V-47, V-97, V-128, V-275, and V-517, and United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-315, and Revocation of VOR Federal Airway V-19 in the Vicinity of Cincinnati, KY
Starting June 12, 2025, the FAA is updating several air routes near Cincinnati, KY, because they’re turning off the old Cincinnati VOR navigation system. This means some airways will change, and one (V-19) will be removed. Pilots flying in this area will use newer navigation tech, and these changes won’t cost anyone extra but will make flying safer and more modern.