Regional Affairs

AOPA wants a careful approach in phasing out four NDBs

AOPA is asking the FAA to suspend its study on decommissioning four NDBs in Alaska until a better strategy for transitioning to satellite navigation can be established. In particular, pilots are concerned about the affordability of new GPS technology. AOPA submitted formal comments on the FAA's proposal to decommission the four NDBs along with the associated routes and approaches. While AOPA is a champion of GPS and the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the organization wants to see that the transition is managed carefully. The NDBs in question are Wessels (ESS) on Middleton Island; Wiley (IEY) at Barrow; Nabesna (AES) near Northway; and Wood River (BTS) near Dillingham. AOPA is continuing to take comments on the issue. Please e-mail yours to ndb@aopa.org. You can review the proposal and submit formal comments on the FAA's Web site.

February 18, 2005