FAA works with airspace group and AOPA to create new VFR route through Los Angeles airspace

FAA works with airspace group and AOPA to create new VFR route through Los Angeles airspace

The FAA has created a new VFR transition route through Los Angeles Class B airspace called the Coliseum Route to provide a more direct path to and from the San Diego area. The new route became effective July 7 with the new charting cycle.

"The FAA has continued to work with the Southern California Airspace Users Working Group to create and change the routes to keep the airspace open and accessible to general aviation pilots," said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic policy. "The addition of the Coliseum Route makes a total of five VFR routes through one of the busiest Class B areas in the country - clearly an example of outside-the-box collaboration with local users."

Pilots must have air traffic control clearance to use the Coliseum Route and fly between 8,500 feet and 9,500 feet.

The FAA also changed the Shoreline Route to go over the LAX VOR at 5,500 feet through 6,500 feet. The revision was required because of a change in the initial climb altitude to 5,000 feet for aircraft departing Los Angeles International. The route still remains inside the Class B airspace.

The Southern California Airspace Users Working Group provides input to the FAA on aviation safety and airspace design and utilization. The group also works to educate pilots about how to increase their safety while flying into busy airspace and airports. For example, the group recently released a guide to VFR pilots about how to use the LA River Visual Approach to Runway 12 at Long Beach/Daugherty Field to increase their awareness of traffic flying the approach.

July 7, 2005