Section 5. Charted VFR Flyway Planning Chart Program
11-5-1. DEFINITION
VFR flyways are
general flight paths not defined as a specific course, for use by pilots in
planning flights into, out of, through, or near complex terminal airspace to
avoid Class B airspace. An ATC clearance is NOT required to fly these
routes.
11-5-2. CRITERIA
Use the following
criteria for establishing VFR Flyway Planning Charts:
a. Flyway
Course: The flight paths used to describe VFR flyways, shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, reference ground objects that can be readily
identified from the air. If necessary, and if an operational benefit can be
derived, radio NAVAID references may be used.
b. Flyway
Altitudes: Each segment of a charted VFR flyway should contain recommended
altitudes.
1. Recommended
altitudes shall avoid airspace requiring prior authorization or clearance to
enter.
2. Care should
be exercised to avoid recommending altitudes which could cause the aircraft
on a flyway to encounter inflight wake turbulence generated by large
aircraft.
3. When
altitude changes are required, they should be based on a descent rate of
250-350 feet per nautical mile.
c. Altitude
Compression: Charted VFR flyways established under the floors of Class B
airspace require careful evaluation to avoid compression of the airspace and
the altitudes available for VFR operations.
d. Military
Considerations: Avoid establishing VFR Flyways which would conflict with
military ground control radar approach paths. When charting VFR flyways
which cross or are in proximity to an MTR, include communications
instructions for pilots to determine the status of the MTR.
e. Once a
flyway is charted, it will only be moved when it significantly interferes
with other operations.
11-5-3.
RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Flyway
Development: The facility air traffic manager develops requirements
for VFR flyways charting. All actions leading to the development of a VFR
Flyway Planning Chart should be initiated by the facility air traffic
manager.
1. Initial
Action: The requesting facility air traffic manager shall establish a task
force of air traffic, FSDO, military, and local aviation interests, as
appropriate, to recommend where the charted VFR flyways should be located.
2. Flyway
Justification: As a minimum, the facility air traffic manager shall address
in writing the following pertinent factors:
(a) Background
information pertaining to the development of the chart, such as the
composition of the task group.
(b) The major
areas examined.
(c) Special VFR
procedures.
(d)
Recommendations by the task group.
(e) Reasons
supporting the establishment of a VFR Flyway Planning Chart for the area.
3. Charts and
Description: A narrative description of the flyway and the appropriate VFR
Terminal Area Chart or a drawing shall depict the following data:
(a) VFR flyway
flight paths with named visual checkpoints, NAVAID magnetic radials, and
altitudes;
(b) Any large
turbine-powered aircraft arrival/departure routes that cross the charted VFR
flyway;
(c) Procedural
notes positioned on the drawing or the VFR TAC; and
(d) The
communication frequencies if frequencies are recommended for advisories.
Indicate the flyway segment/s associated with each frequency.
b. Flyway
Approval: Terminal Operations Service Area Offices are responsible
for approving the proposed VFR Flyway Planning Charts and ensuring that they
comply with the prescribed criteria. If approval is granted, the Terminal
Operations Area Offices shall forward the proposal to System Operations
Airspace and Aeronautical Information Office at least 9 weeks prior to the
planned implementation date. The planned implementation date shall coincide
with a publication date of the respective VFR TAC.
c. Annual Review: Terminal Operations Area Offices are responsible for
reviewing existing VFR Flyway Planning Charts on an annual basis to
determine their continued need.
d. Revision to
Flyways: In order that System Operations Airspace and Aeronautical
Information Office can meet its responsibilities, revisions to VFR Flyway
Planning Charts must be submitted to System Operations Airspace and
Aeronautical Information Office at least 9 weeks prior to the publication
date of the respective VFR Terminal Area Chart. Revisions may be initiated
by the facility air traffic manager or the Terminal Operations Area Office.
The following are considered sufficient justification to warrant revision:
1. Changes,
additions, or deletions to VFR flyways or altitudes, frequencies, procedural
notes, or changes to airport status; i.e., name, closed, abandoned, etc.
2. Changes in
large turbine-powered aircraft arrival/departure routes.
3. Additions or
deletions to checkpoints/NAVAIDs.
e. Publicity:
The facility air traffic manager shall seek the cooperation of the FSDO in
informing aviation interests about the VFR Flyway Planning Chart Program.
Special emphasis should be placed on:
1. Pilot
adherence to flyways and recommended altitudes is voluntary.
2. Flyways are
not devoid of IFR or military traffic. They represent flight paths that are
believed to have the least IFR or military activity.
3. A "see and
avoid" environment must be maintained and emphasized.
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