FAA Redraws Three Eastern Air Routes After Navigation Station Closes
Published Date: 11/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating three VOR airways (V-44, V-170, and V-312) in the eastern U.S. because the Andrews, MD VOR navigation station is being shut down. Pilots flying these routes will see changes to keep flights safe and smooth. Comments on these changes are open until December 21, 2026, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Andrews VORTAC shutdown removes airway segments
The FAA plans to decommission the Andrews, MD (ADW) VORTAC on August 5, 2027, and proposes removing portions of VOR Federal Airways V-44, V-170, and V-312 that depend on Andrews. Specifically, the proposal removes the V-44 segment between Martinsburg, WV (MRB) and the intersection of Baltimore (BAL) and Sea Isle (SIE) radials; removes V-170 segments between the Dupont, DE (DQO)/Andrews radials and the Andrews/Baltimore radials; and removes the V-312 segment between the Andrews/Baltimore radials and the Andrews/Woodstown (ODD) radials.
Options for pilots after route changes
IFR pilots affected by the removed airway segments can use adjacent VOR Federal Airways V-33, V-93, V-123, V-166, V-268, V-378, V-379, and V-499, or receive air traffic control (ATC) radar vectors to fly through or around the area. IFR pilots with Area Navigation (RNAV)-equipped aircraft can use RNAV Routes T-224, T-287, T-291, T-295, T-307, T-315, T-320, T-335, T-356, T-358, T-447, and T-476 or navigate point-to-point using existing waypoints; VFR pilots may also use the listed ATC services.
FAA finds only de minimis economic impact
The FAA determined these proposed airway amendments are routine technical changes and expects, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting. The FAA certified the proposal will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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