IFR pilots get greater access to Outer Banks

Pilots flying IFR in the North Carolina area finally have a way to access the Outer Banks - through a new low altitude area navigation (RNAV) route that will be usable starting August 3. The FAA recently announced its final rule creating RNAV Route T-243 and removing unusable airway segments.

"AOPA requested that the FAA establish the route that would provide IFR access to Billy Mitchell Airport in Hatteras and Ocracoke Island Airport in Ocracoke," said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "We worked closely with the FAA and the military officials at nearby Cherry Point to draft a route that works for military and GA users." The route is available to pilots flying aircraft with a global navigation satellite system, including GPS or WAAS, with en route and terminal capability. The FAA has not yet released defined altitudes for the route.

June 16, 2006