FAA Updates Southwest Flight Routes T-306 and T-647
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating flight routes in the Southwest to make flying safer and smoother. They’re changing Route T-306 by cutting part of it and extending another, plus creating a brand-new Route T-647. These changes help reduce traffic conflicts for pilots and take effect after July 6, 2026, with no extra costs for travelers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
T-306 Shortened and Rerouted West
The FAA proposes to remove the T-306 route segment between Blythe, CA VORTAC and El Paso, TX VORTAC and to extend T-306 from Blythe VORTAC to HUPUP, AZ waypoint. The change routes T-306 air traffic to the west of Phoenix (PHX) Class B airspace to relieve areas with high VFR and IFR traffic that have produced conflict alerts and pilot deviations.
New RNAV Route T-647 Established
The FAA proposes to establish RNAV Route T-647 between El Paso, TX (ELP) VORTAC and Drake, AZ (DRK) VORTAC to circumnavigate VOR Federal Airway V-105. T-647 will redirect IFR traffic away from published holds and bypass Phoenix (PXR) VORTAC, improve radio reception for air traffic control, and provide vertical and lateral separation from Phoenix arrivals.
Operators Face De Minimis Rerouting Costs
The FAA states the proposal is expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting for operators who choose to navigate around controlled airspace. The FAA also certifies the proposal will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-13781 — Airworthiness Directives; Restricted Category Model CH-47D Helicopters
If you own or operate a restricted category CH-47D helicopter, the FAA wants you to check and report on certain parts of the right-hand forward transmission support beam to keep things safe. They’ve updated the rules to focus inspections more narrowly and give you more time to report findings. Comments on these changes are open until August 24, 2026, and following them helps avoid costly repairs or safety issues down the line.
2026-13723 — Notice of Intent To Designate as Abandoned Javelin Conversions, Inc.; Supplemental Type Certificates
The FAA plans to label 11 Javelin Conversions, Inc. aircraft modification certificates as abandoned because they can’t reach the company. This means the FAA will share the engineering data with anyone who asks, helping keep planes safe. If you want to comment, you’ve got until January 4, 2027, so don’t miss out!
2026-13777 — Notice of Request To Release Property at the Dare County Regional Airport Manteo, North Carolina (MQI)
The Dare County Airport Authority wants to free up 8.74 acres of land at Dare County Regional Airport so the county can use it for public works instead of airport stuff. The FAA is asking the public to share their thoughts by August 7, 2026, before deciding. This change won’t affect airport operations but will help the county redevelop the land for local needs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10346 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Monee, IL
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Meadow Creek Airport in Monee, Illinois, to help pilots fly safely using instruments. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers and supports new flight procedures. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up—no costs for the public, just safer skies!
Next: 2026-10373 — Registered Offering Reform
The SEC wants to make it easier and cheaper for more companies to sell their stocks and bonds to the public. They’re opening up special forms and benefits to more businesses, updating rules to be more modern, and cutting red tape by overriding some state rules. If you’re a company planning to raise money, these changes could speed things up and save you money, with feedback due by July 27, 2026.