FAA Reshuffles Eastern Skies Airways for Safer Flights
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating several VOR airways in the Eastern U.S. because some navigation stations are being shut down or moved. These changes affect pilots flying routes V-16, V-35, V-37, and others, starting December 24, 2026. No extra costs for the public, just smoother, safer skies ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
VOR Federal Airways Amended December 24, 2026
The FAA is amending VOR Federal Airways V-16, V-35, V-37, V-53, V-133, V-136, V-143, V-259, V-310, V-364, V-409, V-415, V-454, and V-605 effective 0901 UTC on December 24, 2026. Several airway segments are removed or redefined and multiple fixes (e.g., LINCO, GIZMO, LOCAS, GENOD) are updated because specific navigation aids were decommissioned or relocated.
Decommissioned and Relocated Navigation Aids
The Charlotte, NC (CLT) VOR/DME, Foothills, SC (ODF) VOR/DME, and Holston Mountain, TN (HMV) VORTAC are being decommissioned, and the Spartanburg, SC (SPA) VORTAC is being relocated; the airway amendments respond to those changes. The changes take effect 0901 UTC, December 24, 2026.
FAA Expects De Minimis Economic Impact
The FAA certifies the rule is not a significant regulatory action and "is expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs" from compliance or minor flight rerouting, and that it does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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