Regional Affairs

FAA wants Alaska pilots' expertise on IFR route proposal

Do you fly IFR? The FAA wants your help to modify the RNAV IFR route structure in Alaska to take advantage of GPS-WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capabilities and make it possible to consider lower altitude routes and access to new locations. [See the FAA's proposed T (below 18,000 feet) and Q (above 18,000 feet) routes.] "This is the ideal approach—AOPA is constantly asking the FAA to involve pilots in these types of decisions," said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "Pilots can provide the best guidance because they understand the challenges of navigating around the state's terrain in severe weather conditions."

November 2, 2007