FAA releases final list of NDB approaches considered for cancellation

FAA releases final list of NDB approaches considered for cancellation
FAA needs to hear from pilots before April 4

The FAA has finalized the list of NDB approaches it is considering canceling. Now it's up to pilots to let the agency know if any of these approaches are still needed.

"The FAA is looking to cancel underused, redundant approach procedures, not decommission NDBs," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory policy. "In almost all cases, the runway end is also served by another ground-based navaid (VOR, LOC, or ILS) and a GPS approach." (See " FAA to eliminate redundant instrument approaches.")

The revised list now includes 479 approaches under consideration for cancellation.

"This is now the opportunity for AOPA members to make their concerns known to the FAA," said Rudinger. "If you rely on the approach, tell the FAA that, and how frequently you need the approach." Comments are due April 4. You can e-mail your comments to [email protected]. Please send a copy to [email protected].

According to the FAA's practical test standards, neither a GPS nor NDB approach is required to successfully complete instrument training or an instrument proficiency check. On the other hand, if the equipment is in the aircraft and an approach is nearby, the examiner can require you to demonstrate you know how to do it.

March 4, 2005