FAA Shuffles Eastern Sky Paths for Station Shift
Published Date: 10/13/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating Jet Routes J-83 and J-85, plus VOR airways V-415 and V-605 in the eastern U.S. to support moving a key navigation station near Spartanburg, SC. These changes help keep flights safe and efficient starting December 24, 2026. Pilots and airlines flying these routes should get ready—no extra costs, just smoother skies ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Jet Routes J-83 and J-85 Reconfigured
The FAA amends Jet Route J-83 by removing the segment between the Spartanburg VORTAC and the Appleton, OH (APE) VORTAC, so J-83 will now extend from Appleton, OH to Dryer, OH. The FAA also amends Jet Route J-85 by removing the segment between the Spartanburg VORTAC and the Charleston, WV (HVQ) VOR/DME, so J-85 will now extend from Charleston, WV to Dryer, OH; these changes take effect at 0901 UTC on December 24, 2026.
Spartanburg VORTAC Relocation and MAGVAR Change
The Spartanburg, SC (SPA) VORTAC is relocated effective December 24, 2026 from lat. 35°02'01.05" N, long. 081°55'37.24" W to a point 7.97 nautical miles south‑southwest at lat. 34°54'19.19" N, long. 081°58'11.30" W, and its magnetic variation (MAGVAR) changes from 2.0° W to 7.0° W. Pilots, airlines, and navigation database maintainers should note the new coordinates and MAGVAR for flight planning starting at 0901 UTC on December 24, 2026.
FAA Expects De Minimis Costs to Operators
The FAA states these amendments are routine, are not a "significant regulatory action," and are expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting; the agency certifies the rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This determination accompanies the final rule effective 0901 UTC on December 24, 2026.
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