AOPA works to create better IFR routes through Cincinnati airspace

AOPA works to create better IFR routes through Cincinnati airspace

AOPA's ongoing five-year effort to use satellite navigation to give general aviation pilots better access to airports and airspace around the country continues to pay off. The FAA released a notice of proposed rulemaking Wednesday to create four Area Navigation IFR Terminal Transition Routes (RITTRs) through Cincinnati airspace. This release comes just three weeks after the FAA announced its intentions to chart four RITTRs in the Charlotte terminal area starting in September. The FAA will be adding RITTRs in more terminal areas in the near future.

"These more efficient IFR routes can help end many of the ATC-directed detours around Class B airspace and allow pilots to receive more benefits from their IFR-certified GPS receivers," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "The routes are also expected to be established later in Jacksonville, Florida."

The RNAV-based routes would be strategically placed through Cincinnati's Class B airspace to allow pilots to transition the area safely and efficiently. Pilots must be flying aircraft with IFR-certified GPS or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment.

The routes will be similar to Victor airways, including minimum en route altitudes. On NACO charts, the terminal airways will be printed in blue.

AOPA will be filing comments in support of the routes before the August 22 deadline. Pilots also are encouraged to send their comments to the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001, or be submitted online. You must include FAA Docket No. FAA-2005-20699 and Airspace Docket No. 04-ASO-19 at the beginning of your comments.

July 7, 2005