Northwest Flight Routes Revamped After Washington Beacon Shutdown
Published Date: 9/10/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating some flight routes in the Northwestern U.S. by removing Jet Route J-534 and Airway V-349, changing Airways V-23 and V-165, and adding a new Canadian RNAV Route T-645. These changes happen because the Whatcom VOR navigation system is being shut down to modernize air travel. Pilots flying in this area should get ready for these updates, which help keep flights safe and smooth without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Northwest Airway Route Changes
The FAA revokes Jet Route J-534 and VOR Federal Airway V-349, amends VOR Federal Airways V-23 and V-165, and establishes Canadian RNAV Route T-645 in the Northwestern United States. These changes are caused by decommissioning the VOR portion of the Whatcom (HUH), WA, VOR/TAC (VORTAC) as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network program. Pilots who fly in Washington and California should prepare for the updated routes; the agency says these updates keep flights safe and smooth without extra costs.
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